Obituary of Thomas J. Condon

On April 22nd, 2012 Thomas J. Condon passed away surrounded by his family. Born in New Haven Connecticut, he led a life of extreme accomplishment in his chosen career of academia as well as in community involvement. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Yale 1952; Master of Arts from Boston College in 1953; Ph.D. in History from Harvard 1962. He served in the US Naval Reserve 1953-1957, and was a LT JG from 1957-1962. He authored the book New York Beginnings: The Commercial Origins of New Netherland, as well as numerous journal articles and published papers. Honors bestowed upon him include: Student Centre Building at UNBSJ named by UNB Board of Governors: "Thomas J. Condon Student Centre", 1987; Government of Canada Lescarbot Award (1991) for "outstanding contribution to community cultural activities"; The Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, 1992; Appointed Vice President (Saint John) Emeritus, Fall Convocation, 1996; Appointed Governor Emeritus, University of New Brunswick Board of Governors, 1996; Plaque presented by Mayor and Members of the Common Council of the City of Saint John "In recognition of outstanding dedication and commitment to the City of Saint John, 1996; Appointed Honorary Life Governor, Imperial Theatre Inc., Saint John, N. B., October 16, 1996; The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, 2002; Honorary Member, Golden Key Society, UNB Saint John Chapter 2002; Named as first Honorary Member of UNB Associated Alumni, 2003; Appointed to the Order of Canada as Member (C.M.), 2004 ; Appointed to the Order of New Brunswick (O.N.B.), 2009. He will be remembered by his children Kate, Caroline and Gregory (Robin) as a loving father and a leader in the community. He is predeceased by his wife Ann. He had an enthusiasm for life and was inspired by those that surrounded him. Over the years, he devoted a tremendous amount of time to numerous community groups including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Jeux Canada Games, the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission, the Canadian Conference of the Arts, Festival by the Sea - Saint John, the Imperial Theatre, and Symphony New Brunswick. Visiting will take place on Wednesday April 25 from 7:00-9:00pm and Thursday April 26 from 2:00-4:00 pm and 7:00-9:00 pm at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, 91 Waterloo Street, Saint John at 12:05 pm on Friday, April 27th, 2012. The family asks that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the charity of people’s choice.