Thomas E. O’Connor Jr. passed away on December 22, 2025, in Toms River, New Jersey. He was 72. Tommy O was born in Kearny, New Jersey on February 28, 1953, and was the only son of the late Gloria O’Connor (nee DeVoto) and the late Thomas E. O’Connor Sr. Surviving are his dear cousins, Lynne Balducci-Toman Ferraro (Mark), Laura Borgess (nee Pene) (Richard), and several other cousins. In addition, Tom had many caring friends including Glenn Malatich and Richard Thrash who were invaluable supports throughout Tom’s life, especially during his illness over the past three years.
Tommy O will best be remembered as a man possessing an amazing sense of humor and knowledge of sports trivia. He was an avid Jets fan throughout his life, never waiving in his support. He also was a Yankees and Phillies fan. Tom’s love of music went beyond the big arena shows. He loved to frequent clubs such as the Bottom Line and BB Kings to see up and coming acts or critically acclaimed musicians from big groups such as Mick Taylor (Stones) and Roger McGuinn (Byrds) He was also an avid Springsteen, Beatles, and Grateful Dead fan. Tom worked as a valet at the Meadowlands Racetrack before becoming a limo driver prior to retirement.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any of the Kearny youth sports programs or to Alzheimer’s Research. Visitation will be on Sunday, January 18, 2026 from 2PM - 4PM at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny, New Jersey. Cremation was private.