Thomas J. O'Hearn, age 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 1, 2024, with his family at his side.  He was born on March 9, 1933, in Maple Grove, Wisconsin, son of the late James and Ruth (Keehan) O'Hearn. He had three siblings Joanne, Melvin and Leone.  After graduating from college and two years in the US Army, he married Mary (Haas) O'Hearn in 1958, starting a wonderful 65 year marriage.  They were blessed with three children and nine grandchildren who were the joy of his life.  Tom is survived by his wife Mary, son Steve O'Hearn (Lisa), daughter Paula Ulch (Jay), son-in-law Richard Biemann, grandchildren Patrick, Meghan, and Connor O'Hearn;  Gretchen, Mary, and John Biemann; and Matthew, Sam and Emma Ulch.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Lisa Biemann, who passed away in 2019.

Tom was an educator at heart.  He loved children and embraced the opportunity to help them reach their potential, particularly children with special needs. He was a teacher and administrator in the Appleton Public Schools for 36 years, 27 years of which as the founding principal of Highlands Elementary School.  Tom was recognized for his many contributions to the field of education, most notably as "National Distinguished Principal" at the White House in 1985.  He retired in 1994 and in recent years was most proud that the Highlands School library has now been named the "Tom O'Hearn Learning Materials Center".

After retirement, Tom remained active in the Appleton community which he and Mary so cherish.  With an ambition to deliver love to a world in need, he volunteered at the St. Joseph's Food Program, LEAVEN, Easter Seals, the Appleton Noon Lions and numerous other organizations.  He was a commentator at St. Pius X parish for more than 50 years. Tom loved living at The Heritage in Appleton throughout the final years of his life.

He was an avid sports fan, a good baseball player in his younger days and a good bowler later.  He loved talking about the 300 game he bowled at the age of 69. He and Mary enjoyed traveling, having visited all 50 states and 50 foreign countries throughout their many years together.

Tom embraced his Irish heritage wholeheartedly.  St. Patrick's Day was his favorite holiday, all students wearing green were dismissed early.  Tom's favorite Irish blessing ends with his prayer for all of us:  "...and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand. Amen."  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A funeral mass for Tom will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Pius X, 500 W Marquette Street, Appleton, with Fr. James Jugenheimer officiating. The family will welcome visitors at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service.  Tom will be laid to rest at Appleton Highland Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom's memory can be made to LEAVEN at https://leaven-inc.networkforgood.com/ , St. Joseph Food Program at https://www.stjoesfoodprogram.org/ , or a charity of your choice.