A 1973 graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology's immediate predecessor institution was honored by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce at its eighth annual Education Celebration on Thursday.
Thomas P. O'Connor Jr., who earned an associate degree in business and accounting from Williamsport Area Community College, was one of two recipients of the chamber's Alumni of the Year Award. The award which also was presented to the Rev. Gwen Bernstine (a 1976 Lycoming College graduate) recognizes individuals who attended college in Williamsport and remained in the area to become successful and active Lycoming County residents.
Owner/operator of the popular Ed's Market on Franklin Street since 1985, O'Connor served on Williamsport City Council from 1994-2007 as president from 2001-07. Following his graduation from W.A.C.C., he transferred to Lycoming College and completed his bachelor's degree in 1975. He worked in the accounting field in Harrisburg and Williamsport prior to entering the grocery business.
"Ed's Market is a landmark. It's where the locals love to pick up lunch or dinner," Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour said in making the presentation. "It's a place the kids remember if they happen to grow up and move away from the area. Everyone knows and loves Ed's Market. Ed isn't really running the market. It's Tom O'Connor and his wife, Peachie. And they have won the hearts of their customers. We all know Tom from our experience with Ed's Market ... and from his years of service to the community as a member of City Council and many local organizations."
Among his civic service, O'Connor is a member of the Williamsport Country Club and the Providence Foundation Golf Tournament Committee, and served as a volunteer, coach and director of the Brandon Little League.
"Tom truly is a product of this 'College Town' and an alumnus that we are extremely proud to call our own (and to share with Lycoming)," Gilmour said. "I am very proud to present this year's Alumni of the Year Award to Tom O'Connor."
Thursday's event at the Holiday Inn, emceed by Susquehanna Health President and CEO Steven Johnson, also honored students and teachers from the county's nine school districts.