Thomas K. O'Connor

Thomas K. O'Connor, 57, formerly of Rochester, on November 30, 2008, died peacefully at his home in Greeneville, Tennessee after a courageous battle with cancer.

He is survived by his best friend and beloved, devoted wife, Donna (Lane); two dearly loved sons: Sean and Mike O'Connor of Rochester; a daughter and son-in-law: Shannon and Ryan Tuke of Rochester; and his much-loved step sons: Dave, Don, Jeff and Ben Spagnola of Rochester, Clemson, SC and Greeneville, TN. Tom is also survived by his parents: John and Evelyn O'Connor; sister and brother-in-law: Lorraine and Louis DeRosa; brother and sister-in-law: Daniel and Christine O'Connor all of Grand Island, New York; one niece, three nephews, and several cousins, aunts, and uncles. Tom was born in Niagara Falls and lived in Lewiston as a child. He served in the Air Force Reserves from 1969-1976. He attended Niagara Community College and RIT earning a Bachelor's degree of Applied Science, Electrical Engineering with High Honors. Tom was listed in the Who's Who in American Colleges in 1973-1974.

As an adult, Tom lived in Rochester and worked at Eastman Kodak and ITT Space Systems for 33 years where he was an electrical engineer and a Senior Research Scientist. After retiring, Tom and his wife moved to Greeneville, TN and were very active in the Greeneville Habitat for Humanity. Tom had a great love for the country and the Adirondack Mountains and had a summer home there that he enjoyed very much. He loved traveling, camping, and cruising in his vintage Chevy Monte Carlos.

The family will receive friends Friday from 2-4 and 6:30-9 at New Comer Funeral Home 2636 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester, New York.

There will be a mass on Saturday, December 6, at 9:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2400 Ridge Road West, Rochester, New York. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom's name may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 700 West Main Street, Greeneville, TN 37743.