This man was my high school English teacher and changed my world. He taught me how to write descriptively. Every paper I’ve written in college I attributed to this man. He’d probably critique this writing to be too wordy. I’ll end it here by saying that he made an imprint on me forever. Thank you.

My goodness, Tom. I was just thinking of our last get-together... a trip down to Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island. I always admired your playing and singing. You are irreplaceable. We had some times, my brother. The four of us & Sara and Michael. God bless you.

Outside my family, no one had a greater effect on my life than Tom O'Connor. Damn I'm lucky to have had that half-crazy, anti-authoritarian, pro-humanity, freedom-loving, strangely-patient paragon of a coach!

He loved what he did, but more importantly, he cared about us. And we knew it. Teenagers need that, you know? I'm terribly grateful that I went to the right school at the right time to have had this man in my life. I'd be a different man without him.

Oh, and I can't help but think he'd like someone to come up with a completely inappropriate joke. I'm just not that brave.

To The O`Connor family.I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tom.Working for WETHERSFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS now 17 years as a bus driver,Tom was always good to me.I remember on the long bus rides he would sit behind me and we would talk about music and literature.His smile and kindness will never be forgotten.He was a great coach and Teacher.Tom,I will miss you!It just won`t be the same...man!
Mrs & Family you have my sincere condolences at this time...

I have been fortunate enough to have had a few exceptional teachers in my life.  

At the very top of this list was Mr. O'Connor.  

He taught me to challenge conventional thinking and to believe in myself.  The right answer was not always what conventional wisdom held.  He challenged me and I grew as a result.  We knew he cared about us, and respected us.  

Traveling with him to Columbia U. for the HS Journalism conventions for The Phoenix are some of my favorite memories of high school.  And unlike most of my teachers, you could talk music with him too.  On the subject of 'Won't Get Fooled Again' by The Who:  ""Roger Daltry...now that man can SCREAM!""  

I can't imagine going through WHS without him as a teacher, an adviser and a friend.  

I became a better student, a more critical thinker, and a richer person thanks to Tom O'Connor.  I owe him many debts for my development as a student and as a person.  You will be missed.

My sincere condolences to the O'Connor family.  Mr. O'Connor had such a wonder impact on my life, he was an excellent teacher that rally reached the students.  He encouraged me to not only challenge myself but to take on, and challenge, the world around me.  He always offered support and encouragement as a teacher and a friend.  I loved to see him riding his motorcycle around Wethersfield.  He will be greatly missed, but the gifts he gave his students will cerntainly live on.  (He would hate this music!  But I know he'd get a laugh out of it!!)

Tom O'Connor was a great teacher, a great coach, and simply a great human being. He taught us to think critically, to challenge ourselves, to challenge each other, and to have a sense of humor about it all. He will be missed, but his spirit will live on in the many hundreds of lives he influenced.

My condolences to the O'Connor family.  Mr. O'Connor was a extremely positive influence in my life.  To this day I remember the words of advice he gave.  And I agree that he wouldn't like this music.  I remember at the 24hr relay he played Lou Reed's New York album about 100 time!

Mr. O'Connor was one of the teachers whose influence led to my becoming a teacher.  He connected with his students in a way that I hope I connect with my students to this day.  Not only that, but he once told me that I shouldn't run if I don't get pleasure from running...what a relief!  Thanks, Mr. O'Connor.

By the way, Coach O'Connor would not like this cheesy internet music - he'd pick the Rolling Stones or something that rocks!

Such a good human!  Coach O'Connor was the coolest adult I knew as a teenager, yet respectful, humorous and thoughtful.  He has had a positive impact on so many lives and the world will miss him!

Todd Baker WHS 1987

Mr. O'Connor was a challenging, off-beat, caring teacher who made me think and question everything.  Even though he and I often disagreed, his honors Seniors English class was my favorite.  I could tell that he truly cared about all of his students.  As I began my teaching career I found myself remembering some of the best of Mr. O'Connor- keep your students a bit off balance, care about each student as a individual, challenge your students to think, nurture your own love of learning and always be willing to do the unexpected.  Thanks Mr. O'Connor.  You will be missed by the countless lives you touched!  Just so you know we did learn the lessons you really wanted us to learn and passed them on.

Tom was a shining example and a role model throughout my youth, one that was central in making me the person I am today. His memory will continue to inspire me as long as I live.

My deepest sympathies to the OConnor family. Tom was a great teacher whos lessons I use to this very day! He will be missed but remembered and appreciated!

Kathy, Michael, and Meg, I am very sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Tom will be missed by many. Susan Wachtelhausen

Whenever anyone asks me about important teachers in my life, Tom O'Connor TOPS the list. I am now a freelance professional writer and he deserves nearly all the credit for setting me on the right path. Through his Senior English class and his support of my work on the Wethersfield High School Literary Magazine, I blossomed. I'm broken hearted that I won't be able to share these success stories with him (along with stories of my son who is a top-notch track and cross-country runner). But I know I'm forever blessed by having crossed paths with him. My most heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.

I considered Tom to be a mentor and a friend, above and beyond his roles as a track coach and an English teacher.  I think that the unique influence he had on a large number of students was underappreciated and largely unrecognized.  My hope is that his sad and unexpected death will allow people to appreciate all of the good he did for so many people, myself included.  Rest in peace, Tom.

Coach O'Connor,

I still recall your honors English class, where I did not do so well, even now as a teacher myself.  Your style of teaching was important, and I try to mimic that style today: helping my students think for themselves.  You are one of those teachers that helped me become a teacher.

I will always remember the Conard meet, where you asked me to run the 800 meters.  That was my best time ever: 2:10.  You were impressed.  I was surprised.

I will be happy to get the hurdles off the track for you anytime, me and Eric Gage that is. . .

Keep on running where ever you are!

~Brian Zawodniak, WHS Class of 1985

I

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Thomas J. O'Connor

Décédé(e) le 5 OCTOBRE 2008

D'Esopo Funeral Chapel

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