Thomas S. O'Konowitz's Obituary
Thomas S. O'Konowitz, Sr., age 79, of Lorain, Ohio, died at home on Monday, May 25, 2026, surrounded by his family, after suffering complications from a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer.
Mr. O'Konowitz was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Mary L. O'Konowitz (née Yuhasz). He is survived by his wife and best friend of 50 years, Mary “Coky” O'Konowitz (née Berry); his children, Thomas S. O'Konowitz, Jr., Esq., of Lorain, and Matthew O'Konowitz (fiancée Jasmine Snook), of Lorain; his sister, Louise Pastirick (George) of Cleveland; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Mr. O'Konowitz took great pride in his service to the United States as an active-duty member of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. From 1967 to 1969, he served as a crew chief with the First Cavalry Division aboard a Huey helicopter frequently tasked with transporting a senior general through combat zones. He received numerous awards and decorations for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
A graduate of Annunciation Catholic School and West Technical High School in Cleveland, Mr. O'Konowitz went on to earn an associate degree from Cuyahoga Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree in allied health from Hiram College.
Mr. O'Konowitz dedicated nearly four decades of his professional life to caring for others through his work at Lakewood Hospital and later at the Cleveland Clinic, where he helped provide quality healthcare to thousands of patients over the course of his career. He began his career as a respiratory therapist at the hospital before taking on roles as a training specialist and director of the hospital’s home medical equipment department.
Perhaps the greatest joy to come from his years at Lakewood Hospital was meeting the nurse on the cardiac recovery wing who would become his wife.
Together, Tom and Mary raised two sons.
Outside of work, Mr. O'Konowitz had many passions and interests. As a drag racer in the late 1960s and early 1970s, he raced his Chevy Nova and Plymouth Barracuda weekly at Norwalk Raceway Park, winning numerous trophies and earning a reputation as a formidable competitor. Throughout the rest of his life, he enjoyed working on cars, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, woodworking, caring for his yard, and helping family, friends, and neighbors with household projects.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the Poor Clares Monastery, 3501 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44111.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at St. Joseph Church in Amherst. Visitation begins at 12:30 p.m. at the church. Later this summer, the family will announce details for a small interment ceremony at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?
