OBITUARY
Thomas Jeffrey O'Connor
May 15, 1953 – February 4, 2021
Thomas J. O’Connor, local legend and the 12th of 13 children born to Jerome and Frances O’Connor, passed away on Thursday, February 4th.
Born and bred Mission Hills, Tom attended Grant School & St. Vincent’s prior to Uni High, where the ‘Bossman’ was a varsity quarterback for the Dons.
Tom had an illustrious 30-year career on the waterfront. His company, AMMEX Tank International, continues to serve the Navy today.
Tom married Therese Finete; together they had their only child, Taryn, and remained best friends until his parting day. He is survived by Taryn, his dog Ghost, and seven siblings.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul on February 15th at 10am with a rosary at 9:30am.
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Thomas Jeffrey O'Connor
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ADD A MEMORYGary Beck
February 20, 2021
Tommy, for the early years of football or over the line on the block, you were always an inspiration with the O'connor Heart. My thoughts and prayers to the Family. I will always remember our talks and your kindness at Christmas for the Hills Brothers & Sisters
Gary Beck
Sally King
February 16, 2021
Dear family of Tom O'Connor,
It is with great sadness that I send this letter of condolence. It is never easy losing a loved one. I hope all of your great memories of Tom will help you endure the road ahead.
Sincerely,
Sally King and sons
Paul Vazquez
Phillip Vazquez
Pete Oriol
February 15, 2021
Therese and Taryn and O'Connor family,
I never went to kindergarten, I will never forget my brother Gil told me make sure you don't cry your first day in school. He said put your head down if you feel like crying. I sat at my desk and seen these 2 kids with freckles I have never seen anyone with freckles so I put my head down on the desk. These 2 guys were Tom & Pat. Shortly after that day Tom became a true friend. I admired Tom's scholastic intelligence ,also his athletic ability.
Growing up with the O'connors and everyone from that era was a gift. Tom at most is one I will never forget , even though our careers were distant I always thought of Tom. Something about childhood friends that are engraved in our hearts & history. I always heard of his accomplishments . When I did see him later in life (now and then) he mostly talked of his and Terese's daughter Tayrn.
Growing up Tom was not as tall as I was but I always looked up to him. God bless you Tom and your family.
Danielle Noe-Griego
February 14, 2021
Therese and Taryn,
I am so sad to hear of Tom’s passing. I will never forget one of our infamous New Year’s Day parties when Tom sang “Ain’t too proud to beg.” Wow could he sing that song.
Tom, you will be missed, but your girls are so very loved and will always be okay.
Tom Davis
February 14, 2021
Rest In Peace Tommy O’Connor. God bless you and your family. You will be missed.
Robert George
February 13, 2021
Sorry to hear the sad news. Playing for Saints back in the day I knew Tom was a tough young man. Great memories in 1979 at Arizona street. Always had friends around him. Still had a lot to offer people.
Nancy Gagliardo Balestreri
February 13, 2021
I was saddened to learn of Tommy’s passing.
I met Tom back in 1985. He was a kind, generous, adventurous man with a bigger-than-life personality.
I will forever be grateful for the support and compassion he showed me when I lost my mom.
He helped me through the darkest, most difficult time of my life.
My late husband, Joe “Balaboo” Balestreri, always loved Tom.
I know they are dancing in the heavens as I write this.
Tom will hold a special place in my heart indefinitely.
My sincere condolences to Terese, their daughter, and the O’Connor family.
Barry Pollard
February 13, 2021
During my late adolescence and early teens in High School I met this guy at University High School. I was only one of a handful of Black students at Uni and I met Tom and . His entire family loved me and my family as we both grew up.
He instantly became my life-time best friend. We had adventures throughout our lives that I will always treasure and love. I loved this man and his family and it continues today.
My heart broke when I heard of his passing and his loyalty, friendship and selflessness will be missed.
Tommy, much love my man, will see you on the other side!!!!!!
Gabino Morales
February 11, 2021
I had the privilege of knowing Tom for over 18 years , he was always the most generous and fair person with everyone of the people that not only knew him but also his workers-friends ,throughout his waterfront days!
You Will Be Missed!
May you rest in peace.
John Sand
February 10, 2021
I am so glad Charlie Glazener and I stopped to visit last year, and got the picture of Tommy and Shaun with Charlie, among the most memorable photo’s I have taken. I missed out on much fun being away from San Diego. Fond memories of Dennis working at Foster’s Freeze, jumping off Cabrillo bridge with Timmy, and Tommy in his fedora. Peace In Our Savior’s name to the O’Connor family.
Julie Bolton
February 10, 2021
Oh My God, I cannot believe Tommy has passed. I just saw him three weeks ago at Pioneer Park. So many memories of the girls and the guys. Our times at the Lamplighter-the good the O'Connors have done for the community. Such a shocking message to receive today. God Bless Terese and daughter and the entire O'Connor family. Forever in my heart.
Judy and Jeanne Kelley
February 10, 2021
So sorry for your loss, Tom was a great guy, and will be missed! Prayers to his family.
Judy Kelley
February 10, 2021
Tom was always a friendly face at the Grant Park get-togethers. We would meet up with lots of Mission hills and Point Loma friends. We would party until the sprinklers would come on. So much fun and great memories! The O'Connor boys, Tim, Tom and Shawn. Trips to TJ, The Longbar, what a blast!
Tom, you will be missed. Prayers to your family and loved ones, may you Rest In Peace.
Gary Kowalewski
February 10, 2021
So sorry to hear Tommy passed away
Condolences to his family
Katherine Casebolt
February 10, 2021
To all of Tom's family, I am sending my love, regrets and deepest sympathy, as you are I am heart broken and in shock. I want to send cards but have no addresses or phone numbers. Please send the numbers of the family, Theresa, Taryn and Sean. I will appreciate it so much.
Bless all of you
Katherine Casebolt
4330 Altamirano Way
San Diego, CA 92103
619-295-9152
Pat Nettles
February 10, 2021
Dear Tom
The man is a Success who has Lived well,
Laughed often, and Loved much.
While with us here, you did these things, and so much more.
Your friendship was a blessing, and we are the richer for it. We will keep you in our hearts always.
Pat
Charlie Glazener
February 9, 2021
A character Tommy was and he will be remembered as such. I once went to Tijuana with Tommy and my brother Chris. Tommy was in charge the whole time, decided where to eat and ordered what to eat. "He's the Bossman" Chris would often say and he was right!
What a wonderful picture, the last time I saw him, a year ago he was wearing that hat and he was out in front of the Hickory house with that same smile. God Bless him!
Chris Glazener
February 9, 2021
The brothers and Charlie Glazener. Lifelong friends.
Chris Glazener
February 9, 2021
So sorry to hear about Tommy’s passing. We met the day the family moved into the Hickory house and we lived across the alley on Fort Stockton. That was 1954. He was 3 and I was 4. I’ve never had a more reliable generous friend and the void will be filled by thousands of fantastic memories. Long live the Bossman!!!
Bill Ghareeb
February 8, 2021
Dear O’Connor family,
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a friend and high school classmate (Uni 71). Please know our thoughts and prayers are with Tom and his family.
RIP Tom
duane shinnick
February 7, 2021
We were sorry to read of Tom's passing. He was always fun to be around and a sensible and positive person.
Best wishes to the family,
Duane and Phyllis
Jess Gonzales
February 7, 2021
O’Conner Family
Shaw, I’m really sorry to hear about Tom’s passing, I’ve always had so many great memories of your family , especially you Tom and Tim . I would like to attend any memorial services you might have so please let me know, if not take care , of your brothers and sisters. Drop me a line if you can for lunch.
Kurt. Fritzenkotter
February 7, 2021
RIP Tom ! 😥
Robert Reck
February 6, 2021
Remembering Tom from many years ago and missing him.
Bob Reck
February 6, 2021
...and a few weeks ago.
Bob Reck
February 6, 2021
Tom remember you (and missing you) from a few years ago....
Steve Gwynne
February 6, 2021
Remembering Tom. From Grant Kindergarten through St. Vincent’s to High School. The street and park quarterback. Always picked me (last) but threw me the ball (first). Above all, remember his generosity and loyalty and in later years, his enthusiasm for entrepreneurial pursuits while the rest of us were trying to slow down or retire. Always pulled over to say hello whether in a Mercedes, Maserati or classic truck and never failed to be humorous (like his license plate). May he rest in peace and condolences to the family and friends of Tom.
Betsy and David Rowe
February 6, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire O'Connor family on the loss of Tom. We were privileged to meet him and Terese in New York City, thanks to their beautiful and delightful daughter Taryn. We found him to be a thoughtful, funny, generous and wise person, qualities that live on in Taryn.
Nicholas Vazquez
February 6, 2021
Tom is in our hearts
Always!
His smile and presence will be missed by all who had the privilege to meet his shining soul!!
Anthony Casias
February 6, 2021
So sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing. He was a sharp, fun human being! Rest In Peace!!
Thomas Corona
February 5, 2021
I've known Tom for over 50 years. And I have to say he was one nicest and most generous people I've ever met. His acts of kindness toward friends and family are legendary. In high school he was always the leader his friends used to refer to him as Bossman not because he was Bossy but out of Respect. God Bless You and May You Rest In Peace Mr Tom O'Connor.