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Thomas O'Connor Obituary
Parsippany - Thomas David O'Connor passed away peacefully at home on May 25, 2019. Tom was born May 7, 1938 in New York City, New York. He was raised in Manhattan and spent his boyhood summers in the Rainbow Lakes community in Parsippany. After graduating from Manhattan College he served in the Army where he earned a distinguished service medal. He then moved to the place he loved best and raised his own family in Rainbow Lakes, where he was very active in the community. He was a lover of learning, he earned a Masters degree from Kean and was a teacher and guidance counselor in the Parsippany School System for 37 years. As an educator, he was a proud member of the teacher's union, serving as the State Chair for NJEA, Vice President of MCCEA, Legislative Chair MCREA and president of PTHEA. He was a lifelong volunteer firefighter with Rainbow Lakes Fire Company. He was a proud member of the Parsippany Elks. Tom was a lover of nature, art and life and he was loved by many. He is survived by his son Thomas; daughters Tara; Ann Ballot and her husband Rich; and Kelly Garbarino and her husband Frank; as well as grandchildren Michael and Jonathan Ballot and Maggie and Jack Garbarino. A celebration of life is being be held for family and friends from 5:30 to 8:30 on Wednesday, May 29 at Zeris Inn in Mountain Lakes. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas O'Connor
Carol Heider
June 1, 2019
Tara
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Dad's play such a huge role in their children's lives and I know how Much you loved him.
Love you
Carol
May 31, 2019
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. May the love and support of family and friends carry you through your grief as you await the fulfillment of God's promise to one day be reunited with your loved one again. John 6 : 40
L B
May 30, 2019
To the family, you have my sincere condolences. When someone falls asleep in death (Ecclesiastes 9: 5,10) the memories we have of them become our most precious treasure. May those memories comfort you as well as Gods promise at John 6:40.
Deputy Chief Miller
May 29, 2019
To the family, friends of Tom and Members of FD2;
We are sorry for your loss.
From all the Members of Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad
Sheila
May 27, 2019
My heart is with all of the O'Connors. I am so sorry for your loss. Claire is right, we grew up with dogs from your father's breeding of beagles. Such great dogs, troublesome in all the best ways. I think maybe he meant that to happen? Much love to all of you!
Mark Hatfield
May 27, 2019
RIP Tom and my Condolences..
May 27, 2019
I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I feel fortunate to have seen him last summer at Tara's house. You know your Dad was a big part of our growing up - me and my siblings visiting all of you (our cousins) in Rainbow Lakes. We got our first puppy from him. So many memories! My deepest condolences for your loss. Love, Claire
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
May 27, 2019
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any mans death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
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