Thomas Joseph O'Connor, 64, of Pine Beach, died Monday, July 5, 2021 at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin. Born in Montclair, NJ in 1956, he grew up in Old Bridge, before moving to Pine Beach 33 years ago.
Thomas is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years and childhood friend, Kathleen. He expressed loving her since the first grade. She was always supportive and graciously by his side throughout his life's journey. He was an amazing father and role model to his 3 children and their spouses, Christopher and his wife Teri, Shannon and her husband Gary, and his heart and soul, Meghan. Thomas embraced his role as a grandfather and cherished spending time with his 5 grandchildren, Garrett, Kierstin and Liam, Camryn and Brody.
Thomas was blessed to be from a large family, and is survived by his 6 brothers and 2 sisters, all who still are graciously involved in his life. Maureen (Gerard), Cathy (Thomas), Jimmy (Kathy), Robert (Ann Marie), Timothy (Jill), Christopher (Margie), Michael (Sue), and Joseph (Robin), as well as an abundance of nieces and nephews.
Thomas was a man of many skills and trades. He was a Class A mechanic for General Motors, he achieved a United States Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer License. He owned and operated Sprinklerman, a successful lawn irrigation company out of Pine Beach for over 40 years. His achievements were marked by his skills in landscape design, creating a picturesque property of his own that anyone who has seen would describe as pure beauty and tranquility.
Thomas truly enjoyed the water; scuba diving, clamming, fishing, all of which fostered his passion for travel and boating. He adored spending time with his friends and family out on the water and enjoying the beauty of the Barnegat Bay, providing many priceless memories and experiences to those he loved. He looked forward to spending his winters in the Florida Keys, relaxing after a long season of hard work. He taught most people who knew him the life lessons they were lacking. He always expressed the importance of family and to always be there for each other, values ingrained in him by his late parents, Robert and Angela O’Connor. He was the epitome of patience, integrity, modesty, kindness, resilience, honesty and always emphasized that doing the right thing, even when it may be hard, is imperative. It is safe to say that his wit and sense of humor left a mark on all who met him. He was blessed with a bounty of life-long friendships and without pause, would give anyone the shirt off his back. Thomas, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, will dearly be missed by all. Undoubtedly the strongest soul who ever walked this earth, and most certainly the bravest.
Visitation will be on Friday, July 9, 2021 from 5-8pm at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ. A Mass will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 11 am at St. Barnabas RC Church in Bayville. Cremation will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The Special Olympics of NJ and St. Jude’s would be an honorable remembrance of Thomas, as both held a special place in his heart.
For more information or to post a tribute, please visit www.andersonandcampbell.com
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