O'GRADY, Thomas Bernard - (Retired O. P. P. Commissioner) June 6, 1937 - April 16, 2024
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, Tom, passed away peacefully, on April 16, 2024 with his family by his side.
He lived a life of faith and dedication to his family, his community and his career.
His career in policing began as a young man of 18 with the RCMP in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, then to small town policing in Ontario and finally with the Ontario Provincial Police.
Back before there was such a thing as community policing, as a young police officer in small towns, he was known by all for his friendly and fair demeanour.
He approached every situation with "what would a reasonable person do in a similar situation?" And that life of service and positive attitude and his values, to welcome all to the table, took him from Constable to Commissioner of the OPP, a stint as an instructor at the Ontario Police College, past president of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
He was a proud member of the Order of Canada, an Officer of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Holder of the Confederation of Canada Medal, and the Queen's Golden Jubliee Medal.
However, at the heart of every decision he ever made, was his love of his family and his "bride," Elizabeth (Betty). Without her endless support over almost 70 years, none of this would matter. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (nee Cleary); and his children, Cathy Duignan (Kevin), David O'Grady and Karen O'Grady; his granddaughter, Sarah Duignan (Adrian Alonso); and his great-granddaughter, Rey Duignan.
Waiting to welcome him home is his beloved grandson, Liam Duignan (June 24, 2023); his parents, Tom and Irene O'Grady; his brothers, John and Joe; and his sister, Ellen Prior.
Funeral Mass at St. Anne's Church, Peterborough, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, with Reception to follow at the church hall. A private family interment will take place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Cemetery in Hastings, ON.
In memory of Tom, if you wish, please make a donation to: hospicepeterborough.org.
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