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Thomas R. O'Connell

August 11, 1938 - September 09, 2023

Text:

Obituary For Thomas R. O'Connell

Age 85, on Saturday, September 9, 2023, of Plum, formerly of Bethel Park.

Beloved husband of 60 years to Dolores; loving father of Mary Beth (Dave) Genday, Sharon (Ron) Willochell and Daniel (Jacq) O'Connell; proud gramps of Michael (Lindsay) Genday, Kelsi Genday, Kyle Genday and Jonah Willochell; great-grandfather of Collins Genday; brother of Helen O'Connell and the late Mary Snyder, Frances Asmann and Richard O'Connell. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Tom's passions included his church, his family, and Penn State Wrestling and Football. Tom was a member of the Knights of Columbus, an active member of his church, and a member of the Order of the Secular Franciscans. Over the years he hand-made hundreds of rosaries used worldwide by missionaries. He had a great appreciation for nature and loved spending time outdoors. He was a model of grace and faith throughout his life. His family and friends will miss his kind nature, sharp intellect, quick wit, and sly smile. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Monday, September 11, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral Prayer on Tuesday morning at 9:15. Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Hope Parish in St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin Church at 10:00 a.m. If desired, family suggests contributions to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

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Condolences

  • April 07, 2024

    Tom and I sat next to each other for a few years in the engineering department at Bettis. I was a younger engineer and Tom was my mentor. I appreciated his easy going style and quick wit. Dan Mullen

  • November 20, 2023

    My uncle Tom was a nice soft spoken man as I remember him from when I was young. My condolences to My Aunt and to my cousins. Love to all of you. Gerilyn Copper

  • September 19, 2023

    I will always remember Tom as a wonderful neighbor and friend. He was an inspiration to all of us on Glengarry Our thoughts and prayers are with Dolly and their whole family.. RI P Tom

  • September 13, 2023

    Dear Dan, Jacqueline and your family, so sorry for your loss. I only met your father once, but saw what a dear man he was. Thinking of you and your family in this sad times. Love you. Robin, Jacq's oldest sister.

  • September 12, 2023

    We were surprised and saddened to hear the news of Uncle Tom's passing. He was truly "one of the good ones" and there is no doubt he will be sorely missed. We always enjoyed sharing our love of Penn State football with him when we were together at the holidays. Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire family. With love and deepest sympathy, Annie & Tony

  • September 11, 2023

    We fondly remember all the good times spent together playing cards together and going to Ogleby for a winter week end with friends.. Tom was a true gentle man of great faith who we've missed since we both moved away . George,and Betty Orsega

  • September 10, 2023

    My Uncle was a brilliant engineer in his field and I respected him immensely. When I was barely a teenager, I had several questions about his field which I am sure were remedial to him. He took my questions seriously and patiently answered them in a language I could understand. I'll always remember those conversations, and, as a result, I also studied engineering and obtained my degree. Thank you Unk for your encouragement and patience. You will be missed.