Thomas E O'Connor

Thomas E. O'Connor, 90, husband of the late Jean Marie (Neiman) O'Connor whom he was married to for 55 years, passed away Monday, November 21, 2022, at his residence, of North Franklin Street, Pottstown, PA.

Born in Phoenixville (a New Year's Day baby of 1932), PA. He was the son of the late Thomas J. and Elizabeth (Bellock) O'Connor of Phoenixville, PA. He has two sisters - Eleanor (William) and Rita (Pat). When Tom's father became a PHOENIX STEEL Mill employee, they moved downtown to a small house on Bridge Street which was located directly across from the Steel Mill. Tom's childhood house is now known as a part of VANHORNS restaurant. Tom was ambitious as a boy - he was a paperboy (selling the newspapers on the street corner downtown), an usher for The Colonial Theatre (even pulling the curtain open to start the movie), and a 'Pinsetter' for the Phoenixville Bowling Alley. He graduated from Phoenixville High School (1949) and became an apprentice for Davis Electrical Contractor in Valley Forge (1949 - 1952) until he joined the army (1952-1954) and was stationed in Alaska for the last two years of the Korean Conflict to protect the West Coast Communication lines. He received the 'Good Conduct' medal and the 'National Defense Service' medal. While in Alaska, Tom visited the North Pole.

When Tom returned from the army, he continued his electrical apprenticeships, where he helped wire the stage at Freedom Valley Foundation (next to Valley Forge Park) so that the next day President Eisenhower was able to give a speech there. Thomas then attended Temple University studying to be an electrical contractor. Tom eventually started his own business which lasted over 55 years into his 80's.

Tom met Jean at a dance in Pottstown and got engaged at Christmas as well and married the following October 20,1956. Dad had asked for two weeks off from his boss at the time for his wedding and honeymoon, but his boss said 'NO'. His boss also said to Tom that 'if he didn't show-up, don't bother coming back'. Well, Tom took the time off and the couple honeymooned in the Poconos. They moved into a Third Street apartment in Pottstown for the first two years until they found their fixer-upper and moved into their current home on North Franklin Street. Tom did fix-up their new home quite well where they threw many gatherings on their enclosed patio with their social and church groups as well as graduations for their kids.

He was a member of St. Aloysius R.C.C. Beech & Hanover Streets, Pottstown, PA. He was also a member of Father Bally Council #1192 Knights of Columbus. Also, Tom had been involved with boy scouting (St. Aloysius R.C.C. organizer) for 25 years not only helping his own children, but also other scouts as well in his troop to earn merit badges and awards. Tom was recognized by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Roman Catholic church for his work with scouting and was presented the 'Saint George' medal by Cardinal Krol in Philly.

Tom also spent time in public life as an elected 5th Ward councilman and committeeman in Pottstown (1970's - 1980's), and even ran as a candidate for Pottstown mayor in the 1990's. Tom also continued to be community-minded when he joined 'The OPTIMIST' Club. During his tenure as an optimist, Tom had helped run various group activities for the Club including Pottstown's FISHING Rodeo and helped reinstate and run the Pottstown Halloween Parade for several years. He also went on to serve a term as President of the Optimists.

Tom loved life and lived it his way. He had a curiosity about life - discovering new things and ideas that were being created and reliving the old and the past as well.

Tom enjoyed fishing locally and down-the-shore himself, with his sons, and with his grandson and daughter, watching westerns and the Eagles (attending Eagles camp for many years) and the Phillies, reading trade publications/newspapers, photography, playing with his grandchildren especially Pinocle/Uno/Skipbo card games, and attending the popular horseraces and local casinos like his father. Also, Tom enjoyed traveling the United States and the World with his wife (i.e., Hawaii, Bermuda, Las Vegas, Alaska, Texas.... Canada, as well as cruises) and with his two daughters and wife thru a Reading church group traveling all over Europe, Ireland, England and even more of Canada. After Tom's wife's passing, Tom traveled with his daughters to historical places and down-the-Shore, plus many local area trips.

Surviving are two sons Thomas A. O'Connor of Reading, PA (Sheila) and David J. O'Connor husband of Laura of Pottstown, PA. Also, two daughters Rosemarie O'Connor and Kathleen M. O'Connor both of Pottstown, PA. Both sons are Eagle Scouts and both daughters are Gold Award Scouts. He is also survived by one grandchild Katelyn O'Connor (Silver Award Scout) and sister Rita (Pat) of Phoenixville, PA.

Along with his wife, sister, and his parents, Thomas is predeceased by a grandson, Joshua O'Connor (an Eagle Scout).

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Aloysius R.C.C. on Saturday December 3, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. A viewing will be Saturday from 9:30 A.M. till 10:30 A.M. at the Gathering Center of St. Aloysius R.C.C.

Burial will be in St. Aloysius New Cemetery Lower Pottsgrove Township.

Warker-Troutman Funeral Home Inc 726 East High Street Pottstown, PA is in charge of arrangements.