Thomas J. O'Connor

Thomas James O’Connor, age 91, of Belding, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family under the care of Faith Hospice on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Tom was born September 24, 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Thomas Joseph and Margeret (Michaels) O’Connor, both of whom preceded him in death. He attended St. Peter & Paul Grade School in Ionia and graduated from Belding High School with the Class of 1952. He continued his education at the University of Michigan. Tom managed the M.E.S.C. offices in Ionia and Greenville, where his primary personal goal was to provide employment for veterans. Tom married Joan Kathryn Bowler on January 19, 1957, in Belding, and together, they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Belding where he was active in many ministries and volunteer activities. Tom and Joan built their home and remodeled several houses throughout the years. They were very active in their children’s lives, supporting them in sports and other pursuits and hobbies. Tom also loved to travel extensively for fun and to teach his children about the history and beauty of this great country. Tom loved a full house, always willing to open the door wide to welcome friends to stay as long as needed, especially over Gus Macker weekend when an untold number of kids would take up residence for the weekend. There was always another chair to pull up to the table and another plate to put on it. Tom had a wit, charm and generosity that was welcoming and warm. He lived the American Dream and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to Tom’s wife, Joan, also surviving are his children, Thomas (Jodi) O’Connor, Deb (Rob) Gasper, Jim (Wendi) O’Connor, David (Tracy) O’Connor, Cathy (Tim) Flynn, and Lori (Nick) Andres There are 16 grandchildren, Jacob (Phylicia) O’Connor, Lucas (Hannah) O’Connor, Shelly (Jeremy) Anderson, Teryn (Jason) Trann, Aimee (Mikey) Walsh, Christy (Colin) Brock, Jill O’Connor, Patrick O’Connor, Hunter O’Connor, Cody Huested, Chelsea (Colton) DeMull, Amanda (Steve) Saboo, Maryanna O’Connor, Zack Carter, Josh Carter and Noah Carter; 24 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Michael O’Connor, and siblings, Joseph O’Connor, Delores Seif, and Helen Bollinger.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 21, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Verdun Family Funeral Home 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding. A Scripture Vigil Service will precede the Visitation beginning at 4:30 p.m. Tom’s Funeral Mass will take place at on Wednesday, July 22, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 407 S. Bridge Street, Belding Michigan, with Fr. Tom Cavera, the Celebrant. Tom’s family will also greet visitors at church beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to the Mass. A luncheon will take place at the church after Mass and Interment will follow the luncheon at St. Joseph Cemetery, Belding. Donations in Tom’s memory are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Faith Hospice and Alvah N Belding Library. Envelopes will be available at the services or may be requested through the funeral home. For additional information, please call Verdun Family Funeral Home at (616) 794-1300.