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BORN
1936
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Timothy O'Connor Obituary
He was born Dec. 13, 1936, in Brattleboro, son of Timothy J. and Agnes (Gilbo) O'Connor Sr. He graduated from St. Michael High School in Brattleboro in 1954, College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., in 1958 and Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., in 1961, the same year he attended President John F. Kennedy's inauguration.
He married Martha Elizabeth Hannum of Putney on July 8, 1961, and last year celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.
Admitted to the Vermont Bar Association on Nov. 10, 1961, he worked as a lawyer a half-century - and as a municipal court judge early in his career - until his retirement in 2011.
First elected to the state House of Representatives in 1968, he won election in 1975 as the first modern Democrat to serve as its speaker, even though Republicans held a slight majority of the 150-member chamber. He won 77 votes with a campaign seeking "cooperation rather than confrontation."
"He is a skilled politician who has mastered legislative tactics," the Brattleboro Reformer wrote at the time. "In addition he has the astuteness to realize this Legislature, with its many newcomers, wants bipartisan action rather than partisan bickering and maneuvering."
He was re-elected to two more speaker's terms in 1977 and 1979 before leaving the Legislature in 1980.
Returning to Brattleboro, he served in a variety of volunteer capacities, including town moderator for more than two decades until stepping down in 2013.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Kevin O'Connor of Brattleboro; two daughters, Kate O'Connor of Brattleboro and Kerry (Robert) Amidon of Vernon; three grandchildren, Daniel, David and Jacob Amidon of Vernon; and a brother, W. Brian O'Connor of Amherst, Mass.
SERVICES: A funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, at 1 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church in Brattleboro, with arrangements organized by Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
The family requests no flowers. Contributions may be made to the St. Brigid's Kitchen renovation fund in care of St. Michael Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
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Memories and Condolences
for Timothy O'Connor
Sponsored by BrattleboroReformer.com.
Ellen Collins-Brouillette
January 12, 2021
I will always think of Tim with a smile, he was good natured, quick with wit and always had a wonderful smile....
Robert Marzik
January 23, 2018
Martha and family,
With fond memories of a very special friend - the Vermonter Tim O'Oconnor - God bless him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob, Alice and Tim from Connecticut
Will Hunter
January 23, 2018
Tim was the kind of politician that doesn't seem to exist much any more. He loved the process and he loved the people. He could be friends with everyone, even if there were ideological differences. I have many fond memories of our years together in Montpelier from 1975 to 1980, including Thursday night "band practice" at the Derby and Little Valley House. Condolences to his wonderful family.
Carol Fleming Sonntag
January 20, 2018
Dear Martha, Kevin, Kate and Kerry. My deepest sympathies to you all. I have so many fond memories of your husband and Father. May his memory be eternal.
Kathy Campbell Lovelace
January 20, 2018
Mr O'Connor had such a positive influence on so many people, including my Dad with their fun trips to Boston for the sporting events. Sending my deepest sympathy to Mrs O'Connor, Kevin, Kate, and Kerry.
Fred Houston
January 20, 2018
Sad day. Tim's off to that grand Irish pub in the sky where proper Guinness is on tap and the stories never end. He will be missed. A closing with O'Connor was always interesting. There was that guy with the silver bars......
Jim (Pickles) Bedard
January 19, 2018
Martha and fsmily - so sorry for your loss - Tim was the heart and soul of St. Michael's Parish - saying he will be missed is an understatement - I pasted a photo of a picture Tim had gotten me on one of the Irish trips - he was an amazingly thoughtful man - God be with you all -
Donna Martocci
January 19, 2018
Dear Martha and Family, My prayers are with you and may you in some way have peace. The Martocci family spoken highly of Tim and his family. God give you comfort at this time.
Michael Kickham
January 19, 2018
Tim was/is/and always will be a dedicated member of the class of 1958 at Holy Cross. A big assist to me when the studies overwelmned me. Always willing to help while remaining calm, cool and collected----always an interesting story teller---a true jokester! Tim will be sorely missed in June at our 60th Reunion. To you Martha and family---you have a bundle of memories that will stay with you and the family. Nancy and I will keep you in our prayers.
Mike Kickham
Ronald Allbee
January 19, 2018
Martha and family...my sincere condolences on Tim's passing...The State, the world and the town have lost a true statesman and a gentleman. He will be missed by many and hopefully more will try to emulate him...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...Ron Allbee
Alan George
January 18, 2018
Tim was a genuine great guy who was always available to me during the years that I represented Vermont Yankee, and was eager to help solve problems for the good of Vermont and its people. My condolences to his family.
Wendi Zimmerman
January 18, 2018
The world will not be the same without Tim O'Connor in it. Definitely one of the greatest people I have ever known. I will never forget him. You will always be in my heart, Tim.
Mary Ann Bassignani
January 18, 2018
We'll miss you always TJ. We share many fond and fun memories together. As I always made a point of telling you, you were THE BEST attorney I ever worked for.
Jennifer Kracum
January 18, 2018
Sincerest condolences to Martha, Kerry, Kate and Kevin. Rest in Peace, TJ.
January 18, 2018
The world will not be the same without Tim O'Connor in it. Definitely one of the greatest people I have ever known. I will never forget him. You will always be in my heart, Tim.
Elizabeth Cooke
January 18, 2018
So sorry to hear of Tim's passing. He was fantastic man. I remember him delivering the eulogy at my father's funeral with a comforting grace. A true loss to Brattleboro, but his legacy will undoubtedly live on; in the ways he helped improve the town and the lives he touched along the way.
Christopher Gouger
January 18, 2018
Martha and family please accept our deepest condolences with the passing of a beloved husband, father and proud grandfather. He was very close to our entire family and we will miss him dearly. We loved sharing time with him at Fenway, the Elks, and where ever we met. God bless the gentle Irishman!
Chris & Gail Gouger
Tom Rounds
January 18, 2018
A great Mentor to so many young attorneys. Tom Rounds
January 18, 2018
Thoughts are with the family-John and Judy Lane
Bob Junkins
January 18, 2018
So Sorry to hear of Tim's passing. I loved talking Boston sports with him. He was a great guy and will be missed by all. My thoughts are with the O'Conner family
January 18, 2018
My heart is broken. Tim was a wonderful and true friend to me. I will miss our many talks over a cold Guinness in the yard. He always put a smile on my face and light in my heart. Sending my love to Martha, Kevin, Kate, Kerry, Bob, Daniel, David and Jacob.
Tammi Nell
Terry Martin
January 18, 2018
My thoughts and Prayers for Martha, Kate, Kevin, Kelly and Extended Family in Tim's Passing as you mourn this deep loss.
The Staff of Atamaniuk Funeral Home
January 18, 2018
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
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