age 86, of Elm Grove, Wisconsin, died peacefully in his home on December 12, 2017. Dr. O’Connor, a retired thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, is a native of Milwaukee, and a proud graduate of Marquette University High School in 1948, Marquette University in 1952 and Marquette University Medical School in 1955. From 1955-1956, Dr. O’Connor interned at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago where he met his wife of 56 years, Sara Jane.  Dr. O’Connor served his general surgical residency at the City of Detroit - Receiving Hospital, Detroit Michigan and served as Director of General Surgical Education at St. Luke’s Hospital, Milwaukee from 1976 to 1984. He was in private practice for 30 years, and upon retirement, otained his MBA and enjoyed volunteering at the Residency Center in Milwaukee. 

Dr. O’Connor was preceded in death by his devoted wife, parents Clement and Theresa, and younger brother, John.  He is lovingly survived by his five children, Timothy (Sandy) O’Connor, Patricia (Jeff) Beringer, Michael (Raquel) O’Connor, Kathleen, and Margaret (Kevin) Woolums; eight grandchildren, six great children and sister, Kathleen.  Tom’s devout dedication to his faith and family will be deeply missed.  Tom was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Visitation Parish and a longtime retreatant of 53 years at the Jesuit Retreat house, Oshkosh Wisconsin. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 15 at St. Marys Visitation Parish, Elm Grove (1260 Church Street) from 9:30 AM until the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11am, followed by graveside services at the church cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be Heartland Home Hospice (1233 N. Mayfair Rd., Suite 100, Milwaukee WI 53226). Special thank you to all those at Harland for their compassionate care given to Tom. 

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