Thomas L. O'Connor
July 14, 1940 ~ May 24, 2020
Thomas age 79, a retired Lt. Colonel with the United States Army Reserves. Thomas passed away at his home in Vienna on May 24th, 2020 with his family at his side. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years Sharon O’Connor, daughter Eileen O’Connor of Vienna, son Kevin O’Connor and his wife Kellie and his grandson Joseph O’Connor of Palmyra, Virginia, a brother, Dennis O’Connor of San Francisco, CA.
Thomas was both a veteran of the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. He also retired from the Real Estate Department of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA/Metro)
Thomas was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, where he was a lector. He was also a member of various organizations including the MOAA, ROA, IRWA, Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He was also a Founding member of the National Museum of the United States Army.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 12, 2020 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 11900 Lawyers Road, Reston, VA 20191 at 11:00AM Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date and time. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that a donation be made to St. Gabriel School, Attn Development, 2550 41st Ave., San Francisco, CA 94116
Thomas was both a veteran of the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. He also retired from the Real Estate Department of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA/Metro)
Thomas was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, where he was a lector. He was also a member of various organizations including the MOAA, ROA, IRWA, Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He was also a Founding member of the National Museum of the United States Army.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 12, 2020 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 11900 Lawyers Road, Reston, VA 20191 at 11:00AM Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date and time. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that a donation be made to St. Gabriel School, Attn Development, 2550 41st Ave., San Francisco, CA 94116
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The Family and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you. Bob Gallagher Funeral Director
Dear Sharon, I remember Tom particularly from one of the USF Masses celebrated at Holy Trinity. He told me about his role in the buidling of Metro rail out to Dulles. It still is not completed, but I recall being very impressed with all that he did to purchase the right of way. I am saddened by your loss and pray that your faith will bring you through these first days and weeks of grief. Please accept my deepest condolences. Sandy Crowley (widow of Bob Crowley who died Feb 9, 2014)
I served with Tom in the 354th Civil Affairs Brigade prior to and during Desert Storm. Particularly while serving in Saudi Arabia, away from family, one gets to know those with whom we serve better and develop closer relationships than previously. These last long after your time of service ends. This was the case with Tom. He was a man with close ties to his family and church. One who had strong opinions and beliefs which once developed remained consistent. He also had a pleasant sense of humor which made our friendship even stronger. It was an honor to have served with and to have known him. He will be missed. Laurence Zimmerman
Tom was a fun guy. We served together in the Army Reserve and in Operation Desert Storm. Even tempered and affable, nothing seemed to annoy him; he kept us all laughing. He told us about buying a new Chevy Suburban and the salesman wouldn’t budge on the price; he said, “How can I face my father-in-law if I have to tell him that I didn’t get a discount.” In Desert Storm, before we deployed to Iraq, he would come into the office and say, “Its time to dress for dinner.” (wear our chemical protective gear) He loved his job at Metro, especially during construction; he knew about everything, from construction techniques to political implications. After we retired, we met occasionally to talk about our time in the Reserves. We had a lot of fun together. Vincent Guerrieri
Tom and I became friends in in 1987. We served together in Desert Storm and many other military operations. I remember his quite manner and wonderful sense of humor. He was a kind friend and will be missed. I was honored to have known him. He and family are in my thoughts and prayers. With respect. Dick Dunn
Tom, we will miss you. From one soldier to another, Rest in peace.
RIP Uncle Tom, from Philip Brodie
Rest In Peace Uncle Tom…I’m so sorry Sherry, Eileen, and Kevin…hopefully your memories will give you peace! From the Turnitsa family.