Obituaries
Thomas V. O’Connor
September 16, 1941 - January 2, 2024
- Memorial Mass
- January 29, 2024 | 10:30 A.M.
-
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
2900 East Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois -
Burial Location
Private
Thomas V. O’Connor, 82, of Geneva, died peacefully with his wife, Loretta, and faithful dog, Griffin, by his side on January 2, 2024. He was born September 16, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Vincent Patrick and Mary Jane (Willcockson) O’Connor.
Tom graduated from Mendel Catholic High School in 1959. He earned his undergraduate degree and JD at the University of Notre Dame. While at Notre Dame, Tom participated in the Bengel Bouts, an intercollegiate boxing fundraiser. He was an avid football fan of the Fighting Irish. Tom loved basketball and in his working years, played 3 on 3 games with his buddies on his established OFAC (Old Farts Athletic Club) team. He was also a ferocious racket ball player.
Tom married Loretta K. Glenny on December 5, 2004, in DeKalb. He was a loving and dedicated father to his three children. Tom practiced law for 55 years, much of it from his own law firm. He was very committed to his career and enjoyed helping his clients through their legal challenges. He was kind and courteous to his co-workers and those he met along the way. Tom was a member of the Illinois Bar Association and the DuPage County Bar Association. He was especially proud to be sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court Bar Association on March 5, 1973.
Tom was a dedicated animal advocate. He loved feeding the birds. He was very interested in the art of glass blowing and over the years collected many beautiful pieces. He enjoyed ping pong, bridge, and golf. Tom was known for his famous St. Paddy’s Day parties whether it be at a Chinese restaurant or in his home.
Tom is survived by his wife of 19 years, Loretta; his children, Kevin O’Connor, Brian (Marta) O’Connor and Molly (O’Connor) Leroy; grandchildren Alejandro and Benja O’Connor and Camille Leroy; faithful dog Griffin; sister-in-law, Diane Glenny; brother-in-law, Bob, and Janeen (Drog) Glenny; sister-in-law, Patricia (Glenny) and Jim Wilson; brother-in-law, Michael Curtin; first wife, Donna; and nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.
Predeceased by his parents, and his sister Patricia (O’Connor) Curtin.
A Catholic Mass will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2900 East Main Street, St. Charles, Illinois on January 29, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Private burial at a later date. Arrangements provided by Yurs Funeral Home, 1771 West State Street, Geneva, Illinois In lieu of flowers please donate to Anderson Animal Shelter, South Elgin, Illinois.
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Donna Berk from Geneva, IL
"Such a good man. He will be truly missed."
Patrick Leston from Wheaton, IL
"Tom was an aggressive litigator with a gentleman’s demeanor. He was an excellent attorney and he will be missed by all who knew him."
Bill Cunningham from Geneva, IL
"Tom was a fierce advocate but he was always a professional in every way. I admired him greatly and he will be missed. I regret that I will be unable to attend his visitation or mass as I will be out of town. RIP my friend."
Steven Adams from Naperville, IL
"So sorry to receive this news. I met Tom when i was a rookie attorney and could barely find my way to the courthouse. He was always supportive, civil and professional with me -- regardless of the circumstances. I always appreciated Tom's warm, witty demeanor and his genuine kindness. My condolences to Tom's family."
Ed Glenny from Circle Pines, MN, MN
"My most sincere condolences to you, Loretta. It sounds like Tom was an amazing person. Love and prayers."
Bruce Kelsey from West Chicago, IL
"Loretta, I was sad to learn of Tom’s passing. He was a friend and colleague. A genuine good man and lawyer. I had many great conversation with Tom."
Carl & Gail Weckel from Carol Stream, IL
"Rest in peace Tom, a gentleman in every sense of the word and a true friend. The world is a less kind place without you."
Connie Gessner from Lombard, IL
"My condolences to his family. He was a wonderful attorney and man."
Ed Walsh from Morrison, CO
"Tom was a “gentleman’s gentleman”, an extremely effective and talented lawyer and, most of all, kind and courteous to everyone. Tom always made time to uplift his friends and made everyone feel special. Tom was one of my special lawyer role models; and he and his friendship enhanced my life. Loretta, I send my deep condolences and spiritual support to you."
Ray Stauber from Wheaton, , IL
"I first came to know Tom when we were both practicing law in the same office building in Wheaton back in the 1980's when we werepresenting litigants on opposite sides in a marriage dissolution case. He was an old man in his early 40's and I was a young lawyer in my mid 30's. I came to know and respect Tom as a very able attorney and together we resolved our client's differences so that they could each go on with their lives as they wished. Many times over the passing years I always enjoyed working with Tom and sharing professional and personal observations -- reflecting on the practice of law and the many ways of resolving issues. I will miss him and his polished manner of communicating great thoughts in quiet ways."
Laura & Joe Ippolito from Grayslake, IL
"To know Tom was a Gift in anyone who knew him. He was my attorney for over 30+ years as well as a friend, He had gentleness, kindness and a good sense of humor. I always remember his birthdays, St. Patrick days and all other holidays. I have a picture of there wedding everyone gets to see, they were so in Love and Happy. Loretta I will always remember the joy I knew you both had. You will always be in our prayers."
Mary Kay Lieberman from Warrenville , IL
"I was blessed to have Tom’s friendship for over 35 years. An amazing man. To you Loretta and his children and grandchildren, my deepest condolences."
Pattie Murray from Glen ellyn , IL
"Tom was one of the kindest most gentle souls I have ever met. I first met Tom when I was a realtor very active in the Glen Ellyn and Wheaton real estate market but then I went onto law school and got to know him in the legal arena as well. I remember the days he worked with John Piccione and we were all great friends and colleagues. He was definitely one of the most intelligent, thoughtful and kind person and lawyer. He could solve problems in a non-adversarial way. I think that was one of his greatest gifts. He will be truly missed. My deepest condolences to his entire family."
Chuck Roberts from Wheaton, IL
"One of the best at every level- universally loved, admired and respected. Tom's passing is a loss to each of us."
Mark from Glavin, IL
"My deepest condolences to the entire O'Conner family. I do not remember a time in my life that I did not know Tom, from the nights watching him and my Father playing racked ball, all of the family parties, including his St Patrick's day parties. As I grew Tom became a mentor, helping my out of a LOT of problems in his profession. The world has lost a great man, and all I can say is "Thank You and see you later""
Steve Helm from Naperville, IL
"My condolences to my old basketball playing coach of the OFAC team. Great guy, great coach and teammate for about 7 or 8 very fun years. Also, a very well regarded lawyer. Still have my OFAC team picture on my fun wall. Miss you and bless you Tom."