Thomas R O'Neill

Thomas R. “Tommy” O’Neill, of Worcester, Ma. passed away unexpectedly at the age of 45, after a long illness.

Tom was predeceased by his brother, Daniel O’Neill, and by his parents, Susan (Berthiaume) O’Neill and John F. O’Neill, as well as his maternal grandparents, Jean E. (Wahlstrom) Berthiaume and Richard R. Berthiaume, Sr.

Tom is survived by his beloved sister, Erin E. O’Neill, of Worcester. He is also survived by his aunts, Wendy Berthiaume of Dover, NH, Brenda Brownell, of Ware, Ma, Karen Andrews of Fort Meyers, Fl. and his uncle, Richard Berthiaume, Jr., of Millbury, Ma. Tom leaves behind nine first cousins, Sarah, Erik, Benjamin, Brooke, Brian, Abby, Steven, Elizabeth, Hannah, and several second cousins.

Born in Worcester and raised in Charlton, Tom was a graduate of Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley. He entered the U.S. Army after High School. Tom’s love of reading began in early childhood. He was a quiet person with a brilliant intellect and great capacity for knowledge. Tommy’s sister, Karen remembers that when Tommy was only one year old, he could speak in complete sentences. Karen also recalls Tommy walking around holding his baby spider with his farmer jeans on. As a child, Tommy enjoyed family cookouts and swimming in the pool. The yard was adorned with his moms’ beautiful gardens and shade trees. Susan loved bringing the children to the beach and to big Monday evening family cookouts at her parents’ home on Jade Hill Rd. in Auburn.  Tom spent 7+ years in the U, S. Army, where his first duty assignment was in Baghdad, Iraq. Later he served as a specialist at a medical laboratory in Hawaii. After arriving back in Worcester, Tom would occasionally walk to see his sister, Erin. He loved seeing her and Erin loved to see Tom. Erin had a speech impairment but she would often call “Tom” when she missed him. Wendy enjoyed continued communication with Tommy and they met from time to time during the last few years of his life. Tommy and Erin enjoyed swinging together at Erin’s home, occasional daytrips at Lillias for lunch, and quiet country rides, or just talking on Toms’ front porch. As time progressed and Tommy’s’ illness became more severe, communication between Wendy and Tom became less frequent. Although Tom tried to remain in contact with Wendy, eventually he was unable to. Tommy is sorely missed by his Aunt Wendy, his sister, Erin, and the entire Berthiaume family.

Funeral services for Tom are private, however, if you knew Tom and would like to attend his service please come. Tommy’s family would love to see you. The service will be held at Hillside Cemetery, Auburn, on Saturday, September 6th, at 11 a.m. The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St. is honored to assist the family with arrangements.