Thomas Victor O’Connor Jr., age 92, of Opelika, died peacefully on Aug. 26, 2023, in Dadeville, Alabama. He is survived by Joan I O’Connor, his devoted wife of 71 years, daughters Susan O’Connor of Auburn and Jane Ann (Ben) Arcario of Slidell, Louisiana, sons Tom (Cammie) O’Connor of Opelika and Peter O’Connor of Queen Creek, Arizona. He has eight grandchildren: Rebecca, Meghan, Kelly, Tommy, Michael, Timothy (deceased), Christopher and Molly, along with five great-grandchildren.
Tom was born in Far Rockaway, New York, to Thomas and Florence O’Connor. He spent his childhood along with his brother Paul (deceased) in Valley Stream, New York. After attending Xaxier High School in Manhattan, New York, he graduated from Niagara University in 1952. He was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corp as a 2nd Lieutenant. After serving his country, he started a long and distinguished career as a power company executive, initially with Con Edison in New York. He retired from Green Mountain Power Company in Vermont, where he served as senior vice president.
In 1993, Tom and Joan retired to Arizona and took the opportunity to cruise the world on Crystal Cruise lines. For years, they spent extended time in their beloved Hawaii where they made many happy memories in Kuai. In 2013, they came to Opelika, to be closer to family.
The family would like to thank Ivy Creek Hospice, their wonderful nurses Terry and Tracy, and the incredible personnel at Dadeville Health Care Center, notably Ann, Rachel and James, for their kindness and for providing excellent care for Tom.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Judes Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org), The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama (www.efofea.org) or the charity of your choice..
A funeral mass will be held in September for immediate family.
