Name: Visitation for Joseph Thomas "Tom" O'Connor
Start: 2024-10-13T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-10-14T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin

O'Connor, Joseph Thomas "Tom"

a lifelong resident of St. Louis and devout family man, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, at the age of 72. Known for his warm heart, strong work ethic, and unwavering dedication to his family and church, Tom leaves behind a legacy of kindness and integrity.

Born on July 24, 1952, Tom grew up in St. Louis Hills, the son of Margaret (Burns) O'Connor and Joseph Andrew O'Connor. He graduated from St. Louis University High School in 1970, earned a bachelor's degree in from St. Louis University in 1974 and an MBA from Southern Illinois University.

Tom and his wife of 49 years, Mary (Diliberto) O'Connor, married in 1975. Tom served as a first lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Tom loved airplanes and spent most of his career working in aerospace at Midcoast Aviation and was an owner of Valley Technologies Inc. He then went on to spend the last fifteen years of his career at Edward Jones and retired on September 30, 2024.

Tom was an active member of his church and community, attending men's groups and Bible studies. His generosity and compassion were felt by everyone who knew him and no one was a stranger to Tom. He always had a story to tell and could talk to anyone. On most weekends you could find Tom wearing a wild Hawaiian shirt, working outside in the yard, or grilling and enjoying time by the pool. He was a lover of food and loved to cook for his family.

Tom was a devoted husband, father and friend and is survived by his wife Mary, and three children, Caitlin (Scott), Brendan (Amanda), and Kevin, his two grandchildren, Anabelle and Locklan, whom he adored, and his sister-in-law, nieces, and cousins. He found immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren and passing on family traditions. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and he loved listening to Christmas music, sometimes starting in September, and watching Christmas movies.

Tom will be remembered for his gentle, kind spirit, love of family, and his profound faith in God. He will be deeply missed and left this world too soon.

Services: Funeral service at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Monday, October 14, 10:00 a.m. Interment Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom's name to Wounded Warrior Project. Visitation Sunday, October 13, 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Friends may sign the family's online guestbook at Schrader.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Oct. 13, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph O'Connor

32 Entries

John Rogers

November 12, 2024

I’m saddened Tom has passed. He was a wonderful inspiration, kind and generous man who loved life. We will truly miss him. John and Cecilia Rogers

Cindy Llewellyn

October 30, 2024

I met Tom at Edward Jones. We worked together for over two years. He was so knowledgeable and friendly. He helped me a number of times with difficult calls and trained me using that huge body of knowledge he had. We also worked together on a few committees. We often spoke of retirement plans for ourselves and our own similar interests. I live in Florida, so we talked about weather and the beach here in Florida, since he and family visited Florida many times. My deepest sympathy goes out to his wife and family for the loss of such a good man. May you rest in peace, Tom, in the love of our Lord. God Bless Tom and all of his family.

Mary Verity - Jauer

October 24, 2024

Mary and family - I’m so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Although it’s been years since seeing you all, there were fond memories of our family spending time with your family during our Westminster years. Much love and prayers.

Sheila Myrum

October 22, 2024

I worked with Tom at Edward Jones. He was always so friendly and funny. He was so intelligent so I learned something new every time that we chatted. My deepest condolences to all who loved him.

Nigel Darvell

October 15, 2024

Tom I will miss you dearly my brother but your reward for a service to the Lord is now yours as you dwell in eternity with the lord.

dennis allen

October 15, 2024

Tom, I forgot to tell the Hawaii story...you will be missed my friend...

james whalen

October 14, 2024

Tom was very pleasant and affable. Always greeted me with a smile and handshake at our reunions and annual Christmas party at Failoni's. He will be missed by all of his fellow U. High classmates of 1970. Rest in peace. Jim and Dana Whalen

Adriano & Matteo Giusto

October 14, 2024

Tom we will miss you! May you rest in peace

John Straub

October 13, 2024

While it has been a while since we got together, time with Tom and Mary was always memorable, all the way back to the trip to Barbados with them long ago. It was a real shock to hear of Tom's quick demise. I will always remember you.

Mary Ludwig

October 13, 2024

Dear Mary, I am so saddened to hear about the death of Tom. May your memories bring you smiles as you Grieve. God's Peace.

Polly & Philip Faulstich

October 13, 2024

Tom, was a friend to all at all times (proverbs 17:17). Having grown up with him at St. Raphael parish,
Along with the gang he was ready for companionship. He was a dear man to many of us there.
May his soul R.I.P. May the angels meet him in paradise.

Lori Sullivan

October 13, 2024

I'm grateful I got to speak to Tom just days before his retirement. As co-workers at EJones, Tom was so friendly and so helpful and I'm glad I got to tell him that during our conversation. You'll all be in my prayers.

Claudia & Joe Giusto

October 13, 2024

Tom’s kindness, smile, and friendly conversations will be something we will always remember. We shared many laughs and memories in Florida. You will be greatly missed. Sending love to your family. Rest in peace

Sherry Trout-Elliott (CHS ‘70)

October 13, 2024

Mary and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May the comfort and peace of our Lord be with you during this difficult time.

Michael Scott

October 13, 2024

We have so many precious memories of Tom, Mary, and Brendan. We never had the honor of really getting to know Caitlin or Kevin and wish we had. This was a precious, wonderful man and friend. He made an impact on our lives that will never fade. His kindness, genuineness, and powerful love of others was evident any time you were with him. It was a joy to know him and we treasure every memory we have of Tom and the entire O'Connor family.

Our hearts go out to the O'Connor family. We wanted so badly to come to the visitation and services but our own health issues at the current time are preventing it. We miss you. We love you. And you will always be part of our family deep in our hearts. We pray that God will grant you comfort and peace during this intensely painful time. If there is every anything we can do for you please let us know. I am sure you know from our history that we will do anything we can to be a blessing to you. You are loved very much.

Mike, Kay, and Ashley Scott

Matthew Sciuto

October 13, 2024

This is what Tom wrote in our 50th Reunion + 1 on-line yearbook in 2021. In captures the man:
3 children, oldest is an attorney now doing immigration law; 2nd oldest is son who is a computer genius, started his own company 2-3 years ago, has our 2 grandchildren, ages 9 and 6; 3rd is youngest son, spent 4 years in USMC, 1 1/2 years in Iraq during war, spent 10 years in diplomatic security in US Embassy in Baghdad. Very proud of all 3 kids and the 2 grandkids are way too smart for me.
Rest in peace.

Phil Juergensmeyer

October 13, 2024

I had the pleasure of working with Tom for the last 9 years at Edward Jones. He was always so nice and fun. You knew it was going to be a good day after talking with Tom. My condolences to Tom's family and friends.

Bob Valleroy

October 13, 2024

Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I didn't know Tom as well as some of our SLUH classmates but I knew him as a friendly and kind soul. As other have said he looked forward to seeing everyone at our annual Christmas get together. He will be missed and his family will be in our prayers.

Dick Mehan Jr.

October 13, 2024

I always looked forward to seeing Tom at our SLUH Class of 70 Christmas reunions at Failonis. He would show up every year wearing his Irish cap and a big smile. As there were two Tom O'Connors in our class, this Tom would spend a lot of time saying "I am not that Tom." He was a good man and will be missed.

Dick Mehan, Jr. SLUH '70

Paul & Terri Wienke

October 13, 2024

We met Tom as we served in Air Force Reserve Officers' training while at SLU in the early 70's. While training together, we were together nearly every day. We became "brothers" in this unique fraternity. Tom was the epitome of professionalism, but we certainly had our fun times. Terri instantly bonded with Mary as time went on. Our military service separated us for 6 years following graduation, but we never lost contact. Throughout our married lives, we enjoyed many celebrations together. Weddings and special anniversaries were especially well celebrated. We were excited that Tom & Mary joined us in June for our 50th Wedding Anniversary. I loved Tom like a brother. We shared his pride in his family's many successes. What will I miss most about Tom? His Irish hats and ties and those Island shirts, of course. Thinking of them bring tears of joy for Tom. Love you, buddy.

Tom and Jane Johans

October 13, 2024

It is with great remorse that I learn of Tom's passing. Although a fellow classmate of Tom's at SLUH, I never knew Tom very well; I see now from his Obituary that I really missed a wonderful opportunity in knowing someone so close to God. My greatest condolences to the family.
Tom Johans Class of 70

Salvatore (Sam) LaMartina

October 13, 2024

Rest in peace and love. My sincere condolences to your family and friends.

SLUH Class of 1970

Planted Trees

SLUHigh Class of 1970

October 13, 2024

Our deepest sympathies for the family of our SLUHigh 70 classmate. The obituary rang true: Tom will be remembered for his gentle, kind spirit, love of family, and his profound faith in God. He will be deeply missed and left this world too soon. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace brother.

SLUHigh Class of 1970

Planted Trees

Nancy Collier

October 12, 2024

What a wonderful man Tom was. So many great memories spent with you all. We are so sorry for your loss, and will keep you in our hearts and prayers.
“Beloved brothers and sisters, we want you to be quite certain about the truth concerning those who have passed away, so that you won’t be overwhelmed with grief like many others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who died while believing in Him”. 1 Thessalonians 4:-3-14 TPT
With our heartfelt condolences, Nancy Collier and Family

Jonathan Eason

October 12, 2024

Tom was a wonderful friend and compassionate person. I had the privilege of working with him for 3 years, and he was always an encouragement and help to all of those he was around. I count it a privilege to have known him, and my thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the family.

Joe & Pat Krzanowski

October 12, 2024

Sending hugs and prayers. Tom's warm smile and his gentle presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him especially at the Redding ambassador. Yes, God calls the best ones first. Love Pat and Joe K

Moses and Frances Foyah

October 12, 2024

In Loving Memory of Thomas "Tom" Joseph O'Connor

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, Servant, Philanthropist, and Child of God

We cherish the memories of Tom O'Connor, a remarkable individual whose life exemplified love, kindness, and selflessness. Our families' 20-year friendship, fostered through mutual ministry and friendship in Auburn, Illinois, has left an indelible mark on our lives.

Tom's heart beat for God's people, embracing everyone with warmth and generosity. He and his loving wife, Mary, were instrumental in relocating our family to the United States, demonstrating their extraordinary kindness.

With a servant's heart, Tom tirelessly assisted others, driven by his passion for Lord Jesus Christ. He embodied the law of Christ, loving unconditionally and inspiring those around him.

We'll deeply miss Tom but look forward to the day when we'll reunite in heaven. Our heartfelt condolences go out to:

Mary, his devoted wife
Children: Caitlin, Brendan, and Kevin
Grandchildren

May Tom's soul rest in eternal peace.

Scripture:

"Whoever serves others with love and kindness serves Christ." - Matthew 25:40

"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:21

Rest in peace, dear Brother Tom. Your legacy lives on.

Laura Koester

October 11, 2024

Tom was a wonderful friend and mentor. I worked with him for 10 years and never ceased to be amazed by his ability to talk to anyone, sincere kindness and genuine desire to help others. I don't think Tom ever met a stranger. My heart goes out to Mary and the family. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Mike Briner

October 11, 2024

I had the pleasure of working with Tom for a few years at Edward Jones. He was always so kind and professional with everyone he interacted with, but brought a healthy dose of fun and humor as well. He made a lasting impression on so many people during his time with us as I'm sure he did in all the circles he was a part of. My condolences to his family and friends.

Joyce Neikirk

October 11, 2024

My condolences to the family. May you feel God's loving arms around you, and His comfort and love. Tom was one of the kindest, funniest people I have ever known. He will so be missed by his EDJ family, as well. He always had a smile on his face, a kind word to say, and an ever-positive attitude. There are many people who come into our lives, but there are few who leave lasting footprints on our hearts. Fly high and free, dear friend.

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