CHICOPEE – Thomas Michael O’Connor, age 74, of Chicopee, MA was called home on March 2, 2024. After attending Chicopee High School, he voluntarily enlisted 
in the United States Navy. A notoriously difficult and dangerous task: he courageously served on an aircraft carrier, assisting in the safe landing of fighter jets, during the Vietnam War. After completing his service, he returned home to Western Mass where he bartended at Valle’s Steak House. It was there he met the love of his life: Edna Mae; they married August 27, 1976, the bicentennial of the country. He had a passion for politics and civil rights and would often engage in long conversations with his wife on the topics. Thomas embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and unending generosity. He was the type of father who would sing to his three children as he cooked them breakfast on Saturday mornings. Thomas was a pioneer of information technology and worked in computer programming. His career spanned from the invention of the computer to the modern digital age. He shared his passion as he taught computer literacy skills to underprivileged residents at the local community center. In the latter decades of his life, he held the position of Deputy Tax Collector for the City of Westfield. He was kind to every person he encountered and often engaged in delightful banter.
He leaves behind his three children; his son Daniel, his wife Angela and their three children: Gabriel, Abigail, and Thomas- his namesake. His two daughters: Erin and Colleen and their two daughters: Keira and Hannah. He is survived by his sister: Eileen, her husband Allen Poremba and their two sons. His brother: James O’Connor, his wife Sue and their two sons. He is survived by his best friend “Uncle” Chester Stefanik.
Thomas is predeceased by his precious wife: Edna O’Connor who died March 12, 2020. He left the world alongside his dog Paws.
In honor of Thomas’ life and legacy, calling hours will be held at Tylunas Funeral Home at 159 Broadway Street, Chicopee, MA on Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. A gathering for the Celebration of his and his wife Edna’s Lives will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at the Union Meeting House in Storrowton Village-West Springfield, MA. Promptly following will be a military send off at 11:00 a.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you make a donation to the American Red Cross at redcross.org. All are welcome at the public services. The Tylunas Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit tylunasfuneralhome.com to leave condolences and expressions of sympathy for the family.
