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Thomas O'Connor Obituary
January 18, 1943 - March 14, 2021
Charlotte, North Carolina - Thomas O'Connor of Charlotte, NC passed away in his home on March 14, 2021. By his side was his wife DJ; they had celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary last May.
Tom was born in 1943 in Philadelphia, PA. He was the first child of the late Thomas and Julia (nee Fagan). Tom was raised in Darby and later Lansdale, PA. Tom was a multi-sport all-league athlete, winning 10 varsity letters at Lansdale Catholic High and winning the outstanding male athlete award both his junior and senior years. He earned a football scholarship to Villanova University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1965.
Tom was active in the community. He was past president of the Lansdale Jaycees, and coached and played for numerous sports teams in both PA and NC. He also volunteered hundreds of hours for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He worked for over 30 years at Merck & Co., in both Performance Improvement and Sales. His last role was as a District Manager in the Charlotte area. Following his retirement from Merck, he worked for several smaller pharmaceutical sales firms; where his teams were typically the national sales leaders.
In addition to his wife DJ; Tom is survived by 4 children Ellen (Jim), Tom Jr. (Linda), Caroline (Andy), and Travis (Anna) and grandchildren Casey, Caroline, and Tommy. He is also survived by his brother Gary (Laurie) and sister Suzy (Phil). He was much loved by his in-laws in Indiana and New Jersey and his presence will be greatly missed by his grand nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his grandson Bobby, his brother Rick, and his first wife Eleanor.
Tom was a big man and larger than life. He had a wide circle of friends, which grew exponentially when he and DJ moved to Charlotte. He loved golfing with his closest buddies. He fought for what he believed in (literally fought), smiled at all the ladies (literally all), and had a special bond with children – who recognized that he was just another kid in a great big body. He was well traveled, but if given the choice he would head to Cape May NJ. If you met him, you'd never forget him…and he will be forever missed.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas O'Connor
Kirk Sandifer
October 18, 2024
My heartfelt condolences, DJ. Just seeing this. So sorry. I always enjoyed spending time with you both. Kirk
Gary Patchak
March 11, 2022
Tom was one of the kindest people I have ever met I remember our times at Pinehurst golfing and I can still see him wearing some of the crazy headgear that he brought along for the occasion Always supported always there but his spirit definitely lives on with me When spring comes around and golfing season begins in the Northeast he is always on my mind
Gary Patchak
March 25, 2021
I worked with Tom at Merck and with him on our annual trips to Pinehurst. Tom had that unique personality that always made you feel included. I have great memories of him during those golf outings and I always came away smiling . I will miss him alot. A wondrful human being with a huge heart for his friends and his volunteer work. I am so glad our paths intersected. Until we meet again my friend ..God Bless
Albert Lord
March 21, 2021
Remember Tom well. Wish his brother Gary well.
Robert Reca
March 19, 2021
Tom will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our deepest condolences to everyone. God bless everyone.
Betty Lou Brundick
March 17, 2021
I am so very sorry for your loss! I worked for Tom when he was my sales manager at Ventiv. He was a wonderful role model and leader! While I was on his team, my husband and I were going through the process to adopt our two infant children from Russia. At that time, the process changed constantly as the goal post kept moving. He was very patient with me as I was never quite sure when I would take my leave or how much (little) notice we would get. Once we got our children home, he insisted on meeting them once they got a little settled in to their new environment with the language barrier, etc. We all went to lunch. He did love children! Likewise, they adored him! I thought about him recently while our son has been going through the process to become a Marine. He would have loved that! Tom was a gentle giant, a very kind soul and an humble servant. His priorities in life were clearly his family and his faith. What a great man! Hold the memories close!
Wanda & Earl Craig
March 16, 2021
DJ, we are saddened by Tom's passing. But we also know you have wonderful loving memories of your years together and hope you can find comfort in those thoughts. Sending you bunches of hugs! Wanda and Earl Craig
Wanda and Earl Craig
March 16, 2021
DJ, we are saddened to hear of Tom's passing. We know you have wonderful memories of your years with him and hope that you can find comfort in those thoughts. Sending you bunches of hugs! Wanda and Earl Craig
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