Obituary of Thomas O'Connor

Thomas Patrick O'Connor, of East Hartford, passed away Thursday (May 2, 2013). Born on July 18, 1923 at Leeds House, Miltown Malbay, County Clare Ireland to John Francis and Ellen (Curtin) O'Connor. He immigrated to the United States in 1951, sponsored by his aunt Nora Dickson, of East Hartford. Tom met the love of his life, Nora (Tuttle) O'Connor in 1956 at an Irish dance hall in Boston. They were married in St. Ignatius Church, Chestnut Hill, Boston on October 10, 1959. Tom became a citizen of the United States, but was always proud of his Irish heritage. A master carpenter, Tom worked for the Local 43 Carpenters Union, Hartford, for 38 years. In addition to carpentry Tom loved to manicure his lawn and water his flower beds. Tom was a member of the Irish American Home Society in Glastonbury and loved to watch his children play both American and Gaelic football. Tom was very proud of all his children's and grandchildren's achievements. A resident of East Hartford he became a parishioner of Our Lady of Peace Church. Tom leaves his wife, Nora (Tuttle) O'Connor and four children: Kevin O'Connor of East Hartford; Joseph O'Connor and wife, Joanne of Hebron; Dennis O'Connor of Glastonbury; and James O'Connor, and wife Gaynor of Glastonbury. He also leaves six grandchildren: Caleigh, Dylan, Ryan, of Hebron and Thomas, Quinn, and Jack of Glastonbury. Tom is survived by two sisters, Nora Batt of Fareham, Hants, England, Margaret O'Connor of Glastonbury and cousins Kevin and Maureen Barry and their family of Illane, Miltown Malbay, County Clare Ireland. Tom was predeceased by his sister Mary Coburn, who passed away in 2009. Friends and family may gather Monday 9:45 am, at the Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury, followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Peace Church, 370 May Road, East Hartford. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury. His family will receive friends at the Mulryan Funeral Home on Sunday from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent in Tom's name to the Irish American Home Scholarship Fund, PO Box 620, Glastonbury, CT. 06033. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.