Thomas J. O'Connor Jr.

Thomas J. "Bud" O'Connor Jr.

Born July 27, 1926 to Thomas J. O'Connor and Anna V. Sullivan O'Connor, passed away on October 4, 2011. Bud was born and raised in Waterbury, CT.

A typical mischievous boy from a large Irish family, Bud survived getting hit by a car, burning his pants while they were on him and setting the siding of his home on fire. (A fire run his Dad, a fireman, was called to!) He served two years in the Navy during WW II. As a Seabee in Okinawa he started his training in tool & die. This became his lifelong profession. After his discharge he attended night school. It was there he met his bride of 59 years, Barbara Olson. Together they raised six children Tom, Brian, Karen, Kathy, Kevin and Ann. As a family they vacationed on the beaches of Long Island Sound, or better known to the O'Connor's as "The Shore."

In 1976 Bud took a job transfer and moved his family to Greenwood, IN where he resided for 9 years. Bud and Barb then retired to Stuart, FL where he was active in the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator for council #6241. Their move to Florida created another "Shore" for their expanding family to vacation. Nothing was more important to Bud than his family and providing a loving place for all to gather in times of fun and laughter, as well as sorrow.

Tom O'Connor is now in his eternal home and hopefully dancing an Irish jig.

May the sound of happy music, and the lilt of Irish laughter fill your heart with gladness that stays forever after. Rest in Peace and may the joy and peace of our Lord surround you now and forever!

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and son Brian. He is survived by his wife, Barbara and children Tom O'Connor (Tracy), Karen Sherman (Jeff), Kathy Leck (Chuck), Kevin O'Connor (Becky) and Ann Cermack (Rick). Nine grandchildren, JT Leck, Carl Leck, Erin Deckard, Christopher Leck, Kiely Seaver, Brian Cermack, Bailey Cermack, Breona O'Connor and Shayla O'Connor, and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters, Peg Boiano (Tom) and Sis Hoethke (Fred), two nephews and a special niece, Terri Zainc.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2905 S. Carson Avenue, Indianapolis on Friday October 7, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences may be shared with the family at:

orileyfuneralhome.com