Thomas Connaughton

It is with great sadness and the heaviest of hearts that the family of TSgt Thomas Francis Connaughton Jr., announce his passing on February 23rd, 2022 at his home in Dickinson, ND.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson, ND.

Thomas Francis Connaughton Jr. was born in Brooklyn, NY on January 10th, 1935. In his early life, Tom, (as he is remembered by loved ones), worked as a delivery boy, an elevator operator, and as an ambulance driver in Queens. Later, after his marriage to his first wife, Irene Sanchez (nee Hannigan) and the birth of his first son, they moved to Plainview, NY, where he was a volunteer firefighter with Ladder Company 338, and an insurance agent with Metropolitan Life in Mineola, NY. He would draw amazing story boards in his spare time and his love for music led him to play the drums whenever he could. He marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade more than once, spending many days with his friends, he would enjoy walking the city just to end up at Coney Island. He graduated from Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, NY in 1952 and continued his education with numerous college degrees, it was an accomplishment he was very proud of. Over the years he had obtained a real estate license, an insurance license, and his special education degree. His first taste of the military was in Queens, NY, where he joined the Army and began basic training on November 5th, 1954. After 5 1/2 years in the Army, he transferred to the Air Force and would continue serving for the next 20 years. His love for the military, family and teaching was something no one could deny. His smile was infectious and his Brooklyn dialect was still with him years after leaving his home streets. It was really noticeable when he was really excited or when he was very upset. His children are grateful for a life well lived and the memories we share. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him, especially his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren.

Thomas is proceeded in death by both of his parents, Thomas Francis Connaughton Sr. and wife Helen M. Connaughton; his Uncle Johnny Connaughton; his second wife Patricia Ruth Connaughton; his third wife Nellie Marie Connaughton; and numerous other family members.

Thomas is survived by his children John Connaughton (wife Lucretia) of Spring Hill, FL, Thomas Connaughton III of Dickinson, ND, Brad Barnett (wife Debbie) of Bossier City, LA, Patrick Connaughton of Phoenix, AZ, Michael Connaughton (wife Rosie) of Gilbert, AZ, Kristian Connaughton of Dickinson, ND, Kara Connaughton of Dickinson, ND, Melissa Grosz (husband Chris) of Belfield, ND, Heather Hintz (husband Andy) of Dickinson, ND, Ellen Connaughton of Dickinson, ND, and Kevin Connaughton (wife Kaela) of Dickinson, ND. He also leaves behind 33 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Any flowers or condolences for the family should be sent to Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson, ND.