Obituary of Thomas J. O'Connor

On Tuesday, March 7, Thomas J. O’Connor, beloved father, grandfather and prominent member of the legal community, passed away. Tom was born June 22, 1948 in Ossining, New York. The son of two proud Irish immigrants from County Kerry, Ireland and the youngest of a large Irish-American family, he grew up in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. After high school he came to the Capital Region to attend SUNY Albany and eventually Albany Law School. 

He launched his career as chief assistant DA in the Schenectady County District Attorney's office in the late 1970s. There, he was charged with trying the office’s most challenging cases and had an impeccable record of success. After serving in the DA's office, Tom joined Bouck, Holloway, Kiernan and Casey as a trial lawyer and later a senior partner. Tom finished his law career at Barclay Damon where he was a friend and mentor to many.

Tom was defined by his compelling sense of fairness, and believed that all people deserved legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. Because of that, he gave much of his time to the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York. In addition to his pro bono work for clients in need, Tom served for nine years on the Board of Directors, two as Board President. He also co-chaired the Justice for All Campaign, a major source of fundraising for the organization, for several years.

Tom enjoyed spending his free time outdoors hiking in the Adirondacks, skiing in the East and West, and boating on Lake George with family and friends. He had a passion for finding the perfect vista. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Vera; his brothers Bernard, Martin, James (McHale) and Donald (McHale); and his sisters Mary and Bridget. He is survived by his son Justin and his wife Korri; his son Desmond and his wife Jennifer; his four grandchildren Sofia, Andres, Ryann and Jordyn; his former wife Colleen Morris; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, March 13 from 4 to 7 pm at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Tuesday, March 14 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.  A reception will follow the interment at the Albany Pump Station, 19 Quackenbush Square, Albany, NY 12207 from 12 to 4 pm on Tuesday.

In remembrance of Tom’s life, we ask that any charitable donations be made to the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York. https://www.lasnny.org/