Thomas Trainor OCONNOR

OCONNOR, Thomas Trainor 76, St. Petersburg, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014. Tom was born in Sioux City, Iowa, spent his early years in Washington, DC, and later moved to New Orleans, where he graduated from Tulane University with a degree in business administration. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Tom spent his career as a claims adjuster, first in New Orleans and then in St. Petersburg, where he was president of The OConnor Company. A longtime member of the Sunshine City Kiwanis Club, he served as club president, chair of the local Marie Osmond Miracle Telethon, and in Florida district positions. Tom was an avid runner, completing several Marine Corps Marathons and the Boston Marathon, among others. He spent some years in South Dakota in a home he built on a bluff in the Black Hills, before returning to St. Petersburg. He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Weaver, Shelley OConnor, and Stacey Taylor, and their mother, Kathaleen OConnor; stepchildren, Donna Owens, Cathy Canterbury, Tammy Stonedahl, Lisa Chaumont, and David Martin, and their mother, Esta Frances OConnor; sisters, Mary Brinker and Ann OConnor; and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Col. Robert J. (USA ret.) and Kathryn OConnor, and stepson, Stephen Martin. There will be a celebration of Toms life at 11 am, Monday, Nov. 10, at the Brett Funeral Home, 4810 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Childrens Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 3142, St. Petersburg, 33731 or www.allkids.org/foundation. Online memorial and guestbook at www.brettfuneralhome.net