homas James O’Connor was born on September 26, 1936 in the Bronx, New York to Thomas and Anna (Boyle) O’Connor. He passed away on January 23, 2018 at Morton Plant Hospital.
Family
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Patricia O’Connor; son Thomas O’Connor, Jr.; and two grandchildren Katherine and Thomas O’Connor III.
Life
After graduation from high school he attended The Citadel, where he graduated at the top of his class leading to a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. From there he continued onto Vanderbilt University where he earned his PhD in Physics. His next stop lead him the Amarillo Air Force Base in Texas for three years of flying experience and eventually being assigned to the B-52 nuclear bomb. Then it was on to the Air Force Academy in Colorado where he was a physics professor. While there, he volunteered to be officer in charge of the cadet SCUBA club. He was also selected as the Most Outstanding Faculty Member two years in a row. Colonel O’Connor’s vast military career has included 30 hour alert and attack missions over the North pole in B-52 Bombers, flying with the F-105 Wild Weasels in Vietnam and a combat mission in an F4-E fighter air craft in Vietnam that exploded and had him officially listed as deceased according military personnel and unfortunately his family for four hours. He also worked in the White House for many assignments under three Presidents including the Office of the Secretary of Defense as Deputy Undersecretary of Secretary of Defense for Technology Transfer. After his retirement he spent 20 years working for the Central Intelligence Agency.
Military Awards and Decorations
At the time of his retirement, Colonel O’Connor was eligible to wear the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, Meritorious Service Medal, four Air Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals, four Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, Combat Readiness Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, five Vietnam Service Medals, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, the Air Force Longevity Service Award with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the Air Force Training Ribbon, two Republic of Vietnam Gallantry with Cross awards and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal on his uniform.
Services
A graveside service with military honors provided by the United States Air Force is still in the process of scheduling at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Friends, family, and those who served with Thomas are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
Love you
Dear Trish, So very sorry for your loss. He was a very outstanding military man. God bless you and your family. Shirley Elkins
Sending prayers for comfort and peace to entire family
Trish and family,
So sorry for your loss, my condolences to you! Tom had an outstanding military record, and he was an amazing person. God Bless!
I worked for Tom in the 1990s. I learned a great deal from him, and I still apply his lessons today. He gave me a number of great stories to tell. I’m glad to have known him.
Dear Trish,
I’m sorry for your loss. Tom was a good friend and will be missed. God bless you and the family as he keep you strong during this time.
Tom had an amazing background of distinguished service, but most of all, he was your partner for 43 years. We are so sorry for your loss Trisha.
Love, Lois and Gary
Tom was one of “our Best”. So thankful for his wonderful life.
Cecil O’Bryan
Class of 1959 The Citadel
Trish & family, So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Tom and I were 2nd Lieutenants together at the B-52 Wing at Amarillo AFB, Texas. We were again at Korat AFB, Thailand together. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Ton led an exemplary life as a cadet and adult and will be missed.
Bill Endictor
Class OF 1959
A fine class mate, credit to his class and The Citadel.
A hero among heroes. Was also with Tom in E Company our knob year. I don’t think I have ever met a more intelligent man. One thing that few have mentioned…this man had a great sense of humor. Easy to joke with, easy to laugh and easy in friendship. He made Newman Club meetings meaningful and I only regret not staying in touch over these years. He will never be forgotten.
Patricia, I know you are sad but just think, your husband is doing something with valor in heaven.
TOM was an example to all his classmates, loved and respected, prayers for his family and loved ones….
Tlrish. Maike and I were saddened at the news of Tom’s passing. Tom was one of the most interesting and entertaining people I have ever known. I am so glad for those years in Washington, while Tom was at the CIA, that we could spend time together again. I think I saw more of Tom than any of our other classmates after we left the Citadel. He will be missed by all who knew him. Love Ray and Maike
I am very sad to hear about Tom’s death. We flew F-105 Wild Weasel missions together during the Vietnam War. I fondly remember Tom and am feel lucky to have known him. I wish his family all the best. Tom was a good man.
Dear Trish and family,
My family and I are heart-broken over Tom’s passing. He was an exceptionally gifted and talented man.
As intelligent as Tom was he was down-to-earth. Tom had this infectious laugh like no other. He was so funny and so much fun to be around. When Tom and Trish, my husband Neil and I got together it was the best time imaginable.
NYC, best restaurants and many Broadway shows were had as often as possible, and visits to each others homes.
Tom and Neil were best friends at The Citadel, Class of ’59 and beyond with the passing of my husband Neil in 2002.
Tom and Trish made a beautiful memorial at The Citadel for my husband and I will never forget this. It’s something that they would just do. It has been an honor for my family and I to have been a part of Tom and Trishs’ life.
It’s interesting for me to think that Neil will be at the heavenly gates waiting for his friend Tom.
Your friend,
Irene