Photo courtesy of Chambers Funeral Homes - Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio
Nov 29, 1971 – Jul 28, 2024
SCOTT O’CON, 52, of Cleveland, Ohio, beloved and cherished husband of The Rev. Jason Thompson of Cleveland, devoted son of Betty and David O’Con of Williamsburg, VA, died suddenly on Sunday, July 28, 2024. He is survived by brother-in-law Billy Thompson of Asheville, NC, aunt Val Lawson of Colonial Heights, VA, cousin Deborah Staples (Gary) of Williamsburg, VA, cousin Aaron Lawson (Pattie) of Fredericksburg, VA, Michelle Elek (Clark) of Orange County, CA, cousin Amanda Palmer (David) of Hartfield, VA, cousin Nik Lawson (Kellie) of Norfolk, VA, cousin Stephen Glenn of Thousand Oaks, CA, and cousin Alex Lawson of Richmond, VA. He was a loving godfather of Aiden Morneau of Alexandria, VA.
Scott was a graduate of Meadowbrook High School in Chesterfield, VA (1989) and Virginia Commonwealth University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.
Scott met his husband in Charlotte, NC in 2003; they married in 2012 at Little River United Church of Christ in Annadale, VA. They rejoiced in the 2015 Supreme Court decision granting marriage equality nationwide and affirming their own marriage. They lived in Northern Virginia for many years, where Scott worked in human resources for multiple companies. In May 2017, Scott and Jason relocated to Cleveland where Scott founded Tours of Cleveland. He became a respected and well-known business leader, promoting the city to thousands of visitors from around the world, with guests from over 80 countries. He had a deep love for the City of Cleveland and even believed “this is the year” for the Cleveland Browns. He was an active member of West Park United Church of Christ in Cleveland. Scott spent much time traveling, domestically and internationally, but his favorite place to visit was his parents’ home.
He will be deeply missed by his husband, his parents, his family and friends, and his two cats Shelby and Leonard.
Funeral Services will take place at West Park United Church of Christ located at 3909 Rocky River Drive in Cleveland on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with funeral services following at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow the service. For those not able to attend in person, services will be livestreamed beginning with the funeral at 11:00 AM at westparkucc.org/livestream. Overflow additional parking available behind Walgreen's at Kamms Corner.
In lieu of flowers, Scott has requested donations to the Cleveland Animal Protective League (APL) at 1729 Wiley Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113 or https://clevelandapl.org/general-donations or the William R Johnson Scholarship Fund, United Church of Christ, 1300 E. 9th Street, Suite 1100, Cleveland, Ohio 44114.
Read MoreMy condolences to Scott’s family. Cleveland will be missing a bright light for some time. I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Scott only a few times regarding tours for me personally and for group tours. His enthusiasm and positive energy radiated. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Adrienne
November 18, 2024 | Cleveland, OH
I was so saddened to hear of Scott’s passing. He was a shining light in my daily routine for a long time at the Starbucks Regional office in Charlotte. Scott, you were always there with a word of encouragement and the occasional date to see a local musical. You made me laugh and made the world a better place. The sun shines a little dimmer. Sending love to you Jason and to those that loved Scott.
Tara Hewitt
August 11, 2024 | Charlotte, NC | Friend
I came as an exchange student to Meadowbrook - and the group of friends that I was invited into was priceless. Scott was so welcoming, kind and inclusive - I believe my experience had not been so great without him. He gave me and all of his friends so much fun, insightful thoughts and kindness. Always remembered. Love you forever.
Bente Langvik Olsen
August 10, 2024 | Hamar, Norway | Friend
So many wonderful memories with Scott. He was such an amazing part of my youth - sharing in school theater productions, rides in the coolest yellow Mustang, listening to Belinda Carlisle and the Bangles. Scott was so talented - I fondly remember the sketch of Don Johnson that he drew for my 14th birthday when Miami Vice was at the height of popularity. I will always remember Scott as very kind, thoughtful and always ready for fun. Scott, you are permanently etched into the fabric of my...
Tracey Woody Phillipps
August 08, 2024 | Marietta, GA | Friend
Scott was truly one of a kin. I worked with Scott at Starbucks in Charlotte and he will forever be in my heart. My condolences to Jason and Scott's family.
KATHI MORRIS
August 08, 2024 | MATTHEWS, NC | Coworker
Scott, I was just thinking back over the past 30 years of our friendship. It's hard to believe it's been that long. It seems like just the other day we first met in in our high school theatre production class. I remember how you were the "guide" to our little group of friends in HS and we were just tourists being led around to see so many great things.
Proms, Home coming dances, weekend trips to carytown, all fond memories I shared with you. I remember that time we went to see the movie...
Frankie
August 05, 2024 | VA | Friend
Heartfelt condolences to Jason & the O’Con family from an old Starbucks Partner in NC. I worked with Scott back in the early 2000’s & have always thought the world of him! He will be missed immenselyRest in Peace my friend.
Brian Cruz
August 05, 2024 | Greensboro, NC | Friend
It made me sad to here about Scotts passing. It was interesting to find out that he founded Tours of Cleveland. He was always at the Sunday Services and he will be missed by the congregation of our church. My sincere sympathy goes out to our Paster Jason Thompson.
Diertre Todd
August 02, 2024 | Elyia, OH | Acquaintance
Downtown Cleveland will meter be the same. Scott radiated such warmth, kindness, and genuine passion for this city and its people. I'd bump into him downtown several days a week these past few years, and he was always armed with a wave and a smile, and always eager to spread the gospel of Cleveland. We spent a lot of time together during the Superman movie shoot last month, and he was SO excited to see the city he loved in the spotlight. Even when he wasn't leading a tour group, he'd stop and...
Michael Collier
August 01, 2024 | Cleveland, OH | Friend