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Ray Jones
April 7, 2025
I think of Tommy often, literally every time his favorite song "Ho Hey"
by The Lumineers comes on the radio. I got to coach him in basketball when he was in grade school, and always enjoyed his fun sense-of-humor and his hustle in sports. It's been awhile since we last saw him, but he made his mark on us!
April 17, 2014
Tom, its been over a year and not a day has gone by when I didn't think about you. You were a brother to me and will have a giant place in my heart for the rest of my life. I know you're in a better place now, making the Big Man laugh with your constant smile and jokes. I will never forget you and I will always love you.
May 24, 2013
I love you Tom. I think about you everyday. I pray that you can guide me and be a guardian angel for me. I miss you more and more as the days go on. I hope you are looking down on all of us from heaven with your big beautiful smile.
Joe Moran
May 14, 2013
Franny, Des, Matt, Colm & Ronan: I'll always think of the smile on Tommy's face and his manners - of all the boys really. Matt & Tommy would always approach with a smile and stick out their hand to greet you without the uncomfortableness or dread that I remember displaying when meeting my parents' friends. I was always impressed. Tommy had an apparent athleticism and an ease socially that you knew would serve him well. Bright, handsome, with a sparkle in his eyes that let you know he had the Irish in him - and completely without the "airs" adopted by others similarly gifted. As all the other messages attest, Tommy was just a great kid from a great family who I feel blessed to have known. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Talia Giordano
May 12, 2013
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I am so sorry for your loss, Tom was a great person and a joy to be around, I wish I had known him for longer. Rest in peace Tom <3
Jim and Pat Phillips
May 1, 2013
Dear Des, Franny and family, we cannot fathom the grief that you are going through. We can trust your faith in God will help you through this ordeal. You are all in our thoughts.
Ryan Burns
April 23, 2013
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this terrible time. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything that I can do to help.
David Radin
April 23, 2013
Des,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Shawn Crago
April 21, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers will always be with your family.
The Crago's
Kari Nye
April 19, 2013
Fran, Des and boys,
We just found out the sad news of your lose. We remember all of you from HYLAX and have fond memories of the boys. We will keep you all in our prayers. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Paul, Kari and Richie Nye
David & Teresa Scotti
April 19, 2013
Dear Fran, Des and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
April 19, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Linda Griffin
April 19, 2013
Dear Frances and family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences over the loss of your son Tom. May God be with you today and in the days ahead granting you peace and healing for your broken hearts.
Sincerely,
Raymond Skoff
April 18, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. I feel bad for your whole family. I remember seeing Tommy at our football games. I will say a prayer for Tommy and your whole family. Stay strong Colm and Ronan.
April 18, 2013
I'll never forget the first time I met Tom and Matt. They stood up, smiled, looked us in the eye, shook our hands and said, " Hi, I am Tom O'Connor" "Hi, I'm Matt O'Connor. We were immediately impressed. What great kids!
We are here for you Des, Franny, Matt, Colm and Ronan.
Love, The Milons
April 17, 2013
Dear Des and Fran,
We are incredibly sorry for your loss. Please accept our most sincere condolences. Your all are in our thoughts and prayers. Craig and Emel Gomulka
April 17, 2013
Dear O'Connor and Magovern Families,
My wife and I share our children's grief on the sudden loss of your beloved boy. Words cannot convey our sorrow or wishes for you in this time of mourning.
Sincerely,
Ben Wecht and Family
Bowie Kuhn
April 17, 2013
Franny and Des,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys.
Bowie and Martha
Rich Sedory
April 17, 2013
Fran - Joe just let me know - you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
April 17, 2013
Dearest Des, Frannie, Matthew, Colm and Ronan,
So sorry for your loss of your wonderful son and brother. May you find the strength to get through this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you. Ciara O'Connor and family
John and Margie Starr
April 16, 2013
Des and Frannie,
Your family is in our prayers during this terribly painful time. We are so sorry for your loss of Tommy. May God wrap his arms around you all and help you heal.
Clare
April 16, 2013
Des, all our thoughts are with you and your family, i can't find words to express how I feel for you all.
Hilary Harley Spector
April 16, 2013
Dear Franny,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My family and I extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your loved ones during this most difficult time. May wonderful memories of your son sustain you now and always. Godspeed, Hilary Harley Spector
April 16, 2013
Someone once said..."Life is complicated, love is not". We all loved Tom very much, and will keep on loving him. Our prayers for you.
Paul, Carolyn Ted, Luke and Molly
Carly Jones
April 16, 2013
Franny,
I am so sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Chris Henry
April 16, 2013
Frannie, I am praying for you and your family on the loss of your wonderful son.
Ron Pettengill
April 16, 2013
Des: We are very sorry for your loss. Did not have the pleasure to meet Tom but had heard you speak of him. Trust he will be in our prayers. - Ron & Maura Pettengill
April 16, 2013
Franny,
I am so sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Woodhouse Parisi
David Groll
April 16, 2013
Life is short, morning dew
Sorrow, resolute, obsidian
Would that god see fit to switch the two
Memories, raindrops, that will melt the stone
Adam Blackwood
April 15, 2013
Dear Fran,
Words cannot express the feelings we have for you and your family in this incredibly difficult time. May the Lord give you and your family the strength to come together and help in the healing as you recall the great memories you have of your dear son.
With deepest sympathies,
Adam and Michele Blackwood
Joe Birkofer
April 15, 2013
Dear Franny: My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Joe
Darwin Whaley
April 15, 2013
Dear Des and Family - No words are adequate. May God watch over you and your family and give you strength. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Darwin Whaley
April 15, 2013
Dear Des and Fran,
We are just so heartbroken for you and your family. Know that our thoughts and our prayers are with all of you. God Bless.
love,
Bill and Katie McGrath
David Onorato
April 15, 2013
Dear Frannie,
We just heard about your loss of Tommy and write with heavy hearts. We are so sorry . Your family is in our prayers.
David Onorato and Mary McGovern
Deirdre and Maeve O'Donnell
April 15, 2013
Dearest Des, Franny and boys, We are so terribly sad to hear of your tragic loss. You are all constantly in our thoughts. Much love
Mark and Elizabeth Visnic
April 15, 2013
Des and Fran -
What a tremendous testimony of faith, grace and courage we witnessed today at your Tom's funeral. We hold out prayers for you, all of your boys, and family.
April 15, 2013
Des and Fran, We are so very sorry for your loss of Tommy. He was a great person.
With our Deepest Sympathy,
Steve and Janice Wirtz
Anne and Soren Healy & family
April 15, 2013
Dear Des, Frannie and family,
Words cannot express our sorrow on hearing about your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Be strong. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Tyler Baum
April 15, 2013
I only met Tom once, while shadowing at Shady Side Academy, but he had an impact on me that will last a life time. He was always participating and making people laugh the day I met him. However, he is with The Lord now, as he needed Tom for an important task that only someone as special as Tom could carry out for him. When God called upon Tom, he knew that he had to make the ultimate sacrifice just for God. As hard as it is to cope with the loss of Tom, he is now in heaven making the same positive effects on people everyday while he works as one of God's angels. Rest in peace, Tom.
Margaret Sinnott
April 15, 2013
Dear Franny and Des,
I can not begin to imagine the pain and suffering you and your family are experiencing. I hope the prayers and thoughts of so many friends will offer some comfort. Your family is loved by so many. You will all remain in our prayers and thoughts. Heaven has an angel.
John and Margaret Sinnott
Sam Reiman
April 15, 2013
Dear Des, From all of us at the McCune Foundation, we are very sorry for the loss of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dan Shea
April 15, 2013
Des & Family -
My heart is aching for your loss of Tommy. He was a great kid, he definitely made an impression on me in the 1/2 years I coached him with his forever questioning and stories. He will be missed by all. I am glad I knew him. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dan
April 15, 2013
Franny, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your entire family. Christine McMahon Tumpson
Conor, Gillian, Joss, Ben and Georgina Murray
April 15, 2013
Dear, Franny and Des,
what an unfair loss to happen to such great parents, and what an unbearable hurt to have to deal with. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
April 15, 2013
We are thinking and praying for peace and strength for your family during this very difficult time. We've heard good things about Tom through our inlaws. May God give you strength.
Michael and Erin Commendatore.
Julie Tedjeske
April 15, 2013
Franny,
I'm so sorry to hear about your son. My condolences to you and your family.
Anne Vey
April 15, 2013
Frannie,
I am so sorry about the terrible loss of your son Tommy. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Anne Wentley-Dorsey
April 15, 2013
Franny,
I am shocked and so saddened to learn of the loss of your beautiful son. Mother to mother, I have no words but will hold each of you in my heart and prayers.
The Reich Family
April 15, 2013
God bless you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Donna Myers
April 15, 2013
Dear Des and the O'Connor family, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. If there is anything at all that I can for you, please don't hesitate to ask. May God provide you with strength and courage to help through this most difficult time.
April 15, 2013
Dear Des, Frannie and your family,
We know you are devastated by your loss. We are so sorry and send our warmest condolences.
Trish & John Whitehill
Leigha Schaffer
April 15, 2013
Dear Fran, Des, Matt, Colm, & Ronan. Me and my mom are here for you guys every step of the way it's hard to believe he's gone. He will forever be in our hearts, cherish all the memories! Praying for you all every minute of everyday. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN, REST IN PEACE. -Leigha
April 15, 2013
Fran, Des, Matt, Colm, and Ronan,
I wish I could be there with you, but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Peter Croncota
Pete & Vikki Healy
April 15, 2013
Dear Des & Fran - I didn't know Tom but it has been fun watching him and his brothers grow up just from the Christmas pics you sent us. Always 4 strapping smiling boys goofing around. I know Tom brought your family great joy and great memories. Long may they last. Be strong. Be closer for Tommy. Godbless you all. Heartfelt condolences.
April 15, 2013
Although you and your family will be forever changed, may you all find peace and love in the memories of good times you shared. May you find comfort in knowing that he is resting in God's arms. God Bless you all...
From a mother who has lost a son.
Jewel Amoruso
April 15, 2013
Des and Family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Our family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers for strength and comfort.
Cathy Vernon
April 15, 2013
Franny--
I am so sorry for your loss. May you and your family be sustained and comforted by the love of family and friends at this time of sorrow.
April 15, 2013
Frannie - I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. May he rest in peace.
Cherrie Gnazzo (BI)
Kelly Laughlin Gally
April 15, 2013
Dear Frannie and Des,
So sad to here of your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. May your faith guide you through this difficult time. Love The Gally Family
Conor McCarthy
April 15, 2013
Dear Des and family sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers with y'all from KY
Rick Duffy
April 15, 2013
Dear Frannie, Des and family,
My heart breaks for you as you grieve Tom's sudden loss.
May God give you strength and courage and hold you close as we remember Tom and pray his repose.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, as well as my deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Nik Healy
April 15, 2013
Dear Des, Fran and Family.
We are all so deeply saddened to hear of your tragic loss. Words are so inadequate at this time but you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
We pray that you all find the strength to carry you through these dreadful days.
From all the Healy's of Tullaghmeelan
Anne O'Connor
April 15, 2013
Dear Des, Frannie, Matthew, Ronan and Colm,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the many happy memories of Tom help you through this very sad time.
April 15, 2013
Dear Fran, Des, Matt, Colm and Ronan, We are so sorry for your loss. The children will never forget their cousin, with his big smile, his funloving nature, and all the fun times they had together in Ireland and in Pittsburgh. While my words can naver be enough, we will always hold his memory in our hearts, and we hope you will all find strength in each other. All our love. Maria, Josef and Annica
April 15, 2013
Des, Fran and boys,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this sad time
Ruth & John Morrin, Kildare Ireland
wolford family
April 15, 2013
Deepest sympathy for your loss,god bless.
David Palmer
April 15, 2013
Dear Des and Family,
I am heartbroken for you...I am so, so sorry. My wife and I are praying for you and hoping you experience the love of God, family, and friends now and in the days ahead.
April 14, 2013
We pray that you continue to stay strong for each other and feel all the support and love that surrounds you. We continue to pray for you and your whole family. ~ The Hoehler Family
The Kids
April 14, 2013
This is from the kids who didn't know Tom personally, but were still affected when we heard the news. You are in our thoughts and prayers, always.
April 14, 2013
So sorry to learn of your son's passing.Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim,Paul&Liam Lampl
Warren Hall
April 14, 2013
Dear Frannie: We are so sad to learn of your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Warren, Jane, Kate and Renny
Bill Stewart
April 14, 2013
Des,Fran: Words fail and would be inadequate in any case. But Eileen and I do extend our deep sympathy for your great loss.
April 14, 2013
Fran, Des and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family in this difficult time. May God bless and keep you and know we are here for you.
Edwards family
Ray Jones
April 14, 2013
I am grateful that I had the chance to get to know Tommy from 4th grade basketball. He was a real team player who went out of his way to support his teammates. My deepest condolences to the O'Connor Family. You are a great family and really put your hearts into everything associated with the boys.
April 14, 2013
Des, Fran and Boys,
So sad to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Vogels
Rob Sparling
April 14, 2013
Des & Franny, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find the strength to cope with this great loss and take care to love each other all that much more.
Reed Williams
April 14, 2013
You are in my prayers during this sorrowful time.
Linda Fischer
April 14, 2013
I had the privilege of having Tommy in the fifth grade. His bright eyes and infectious grin always come to mind when I think of him. May God bless and keep your dear family in His loving care.
With deepest sympathy,
Fiona O'Connor
April 14, 2013
Dear Des, Franny, Matthew, Colm and Ronan, I am thinking of you all and send you my deepest sympathies and condolences. Fiona
Raymund O'Connor
April 14, 2013
My thoughts are with you all. I can only hope that despite his short life, he has left you with many happy memories to cherish and be consoled by. My deepest sympathies, Ray.
Carol Gabrielli
April 14, 2013
Des & Frannie & Family,
We have never met, however, we hold you close in our hearts as you endure this tragic tragic mystery. God bless you as you endure these days. Know that so many folks you may never meet are praying for you and holding you up.
Peace be with you,
Carol Gabrielli &
Vicki Reitenauer
(Friends of Ann)
Brenda (Moran) Gullo
April 14, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers to your family during this tragic loss. My son and many others were stunned to say the least. He leaves behind the memories of a funny and great guy, and he will be missed by so very many. Peace be with you!
joan galvin
April 14, 2013
this is JOan Galvin, Kerry's mom. Any son of yours, Frannie must have been a wonderful person. I am so sorry that you have lost him.
Chris & John Busshaus
April 14, 2013
Des and Frannie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will always remember Tom's big smile and all the good times the boys had playing baseball together. May God bestow his blessings of peace on you all.
DiDonato Family
April 14, 2013
Our hearts ache for your entire family!
My God rest his hands on you and comfort you - trust in Him.
Denielle Grana
April 14, 2013
May your faith and the love of your family and friends comfort you. Tom and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
April 14, 2013
Dear Fran: I was very saddened to read of your son's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. - Jeff Pollock, Esq., Sq. Hill
Julie (McMahon) Sorkin
April 14, 2013
There are no words...I am praying for you and your family, sending you love and strength.
Julie & Brian McCue & Family
April 14, 2013
Our thoughts are with all of your family during your difficult time. We offer our most sincere prayers and condolences on your loss of Tom. Please be assured he is with God and in a better place!
Theresa Mech
April 14, 2013
May God's gracious love heal your broken hearts. My prayers are with you.
Joe & Ellen Klimowicz
April 14, 2013
Des & Fran & sons,
May God bless you all during this difficult time, and may the precious time you had with Tommy sustain you through the tough days ahead.
RoiLyn Williams Smith
April 14, 2013
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences.
April 14, 2013
Dear Fran and Desmond,
I am so sorry to hear of your son Tom's death and cannot imagine the depth of your anguish. You are all in
my prayer. May God comfort and sustain
you now and in the days to come.
Sr. Pat Baker
St. Scholastica Parish
April 13, 2013
I was gifted with Tommy in the fourth grade. I reflect on the joy of his presence; his sparkling eyes and contagious smile are embedded in my memory forever. I pray that the outpouring of comfort and prayer provides your family the necessary strength to endure this unimaginable time.
And Jesus Wept...John 11:35
With love and the deepest sorrow,
Mrs. Jane Pampena
April 13, 2013
Tom was always a bright guy. He always knew how to make you feel happy when you were down. When I was upset one day he told me to keep my head up and smile because he was here for me. He was a friend to all. He will be truly missed. Much love
Nancy Nestor Farrell
April 13, 2013
Dear Fran and Des,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Bobbi Kolonay
April 13, 2013
Words, however kind,
can't mend your heartache;
we will forever remember Tom, with his LAX stick held high, racing up to score the winning goal for HYLAX. Our whole community is feeling your pain. C.J. Kolonay and family
April 13, 2013
"Those we hold closest to our hearts never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they have shared and the love they brought into our lives." ~
Anonymous
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.
Dave, Tricia, Scott, and Emily Mullen
Rita Turchetta
April 13, 2013
May our good God surround your beautiful family with his loving arms.
April 13, 2013
Des, Frannie and boys........There are no words that can adequately express our deep sadness and sympathy for the loss of Tommy. Please know that we are thinking of all of you and will always hold Tommy in our prayers.
Jim and Brenda Quasey and girls
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4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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