THOMAS CONDON Jr.

1924 - 2014

CONDON, THOMAS J. JR. Thomas J. Condon Jr. was born in Ansonia, CT, on December 29, 1924, the son of Thomas J. and Anna Dunn Condon. He attended and was graduated from the Assumption Grammar School and the Ansonia High School. He attended Yale University from June 1942 through May 1943, when he entered the U.S. Army in World War II. He served in the European Theater of Operations with G. Company 291st Infantry of the 75th Division. He participated in three major campaigns: Central Europe, the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), and the Rhineland. Tom received various awards and decorations, including the European Theater of Operations Ribbon with 3 battle stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, 2 Bronze Stars, and an award from the French Government for combat in the Battle for Colmar. This battle was the first time American troops had ever fought under the direct military command of a foreign country. He also received the Army of Occupation and Good Conduct Medals. During his combat service, he progressed from Rifleman to Platoon Sergeant (Tech. Sgt). After service in World War II, he returned to Yale and was graduated in June 1948. He then entered Washington and Lee University Law School and received his Juris Doctorate degree in June, 1951. He was recalled to active military duty after graduation and served overseas in Japan as a 1st Lt. Infantry Officer. He was assigned to the 21st Infantry of the 24th Division. After he completed his active military service, he remained in the Active Reserve until 1984 when he retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel. In civilian life, Tom served as a Prosecuting Attorney in the Ansonia City Court from 1955-1960. He was appointed Unemployment Compensation Commissioner for the 5th District by then Governor Abraham Ribicoff. He served in that capacity until December 31, 1972. He was a practicing attorney for 59 years. He was a member and former president of the Valley Bar Association, the Connecticut Bar Association, and the American Trial Lawyers Association. He was admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court and before the Supreme Court of the United States. Tom, and his partner, Herbert Savitt, formed the firm of Condon & Savitt, PC, and practiced together in Ansonia for almost 50 years. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Margaret Buswell Condon, his three loving children, Attorney Thomas J. Condon III and fiancee Allison Bowen Hinton of St. Louis, MO; Attorney Kevin W. Condon (Laura) of Oxford, CT, and Kathleen M. Condon and partner Donna Romano of Hamden, CT, four grandchildren, Katie Condon Holliman, Attorney Thomas J. Condon IV; Michael T. Condon and Lila A. Condon; and two great-grandchildren: Grace & Michael Holliman. Tom is predeceased by his sister Mary Condon Paulishen and her husband John. He loved his nieces and nephew, and was grateful for their many kindnesses over the years. Tom was a lifelong faithful member of the Assumption Church in Ansonia, and considered it one of his 3 great loves, together with his family and his country. In his younger days, he was an avid tennis player and skier. He loved skiing trips all over the northeast and Canada. He and his wife traveled extensively and enjoyed the company of their many wonderful friends. He loved his dogs, of which there were many. He also loved sports cars, of which there were also many. The family is grateful for his wonderful way, generosity, guidance, and mostly, his love. Many thanks for the tremendous care he received from his friend and treating physician, M. Gowda MD, and all the staff at the Griffin Hospital. A special thanks to his caregivers of the last several months, Barbara and Jeff Hamilton; Hope Miller; and especially Sean Miller, who truly made a difference. Calling hours will be on Friday from 4-8 pm in the Bennett Funeral Home, 91 N. Cliff St., Ansonia, CT 06401, and on Saturday, his funeral procession will leave at 9:00 am from the funeral home to the Church of the Assumption for a mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am. Burial with full military honors will be in Mt. St. Peters Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Assumption School or Church in care of the Funeral Home.