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MAYFIELD HEIGHTS -- Thomas J. O'Neill, 87, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025.
He is the beloved husband of 68 years of Bernardine Clark O'Neill; loving father of Thomas Jr. (wife, Mary Jo), Timothy, James (wife, Lisa), Michael (wife, Mindy, deceased), Sean (wife, Diane), and Kathleen Reardon (husband, Michael); devoted grandfather of 13 and great-grandfather of 10; cherished son of the late Hubert and Mary Catherine McIntee O'Neill; dearest brother of the late Ann Sullivan (husband, Paul, deceased) and the Rev. Father Timothy H. O'Neill; dear brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle; and friend of many.
Thomas O'Neill was born in Youngstown to Hubert and Mary Catherine McIntee O'Neill. He graduated from Ursuline High School in 1956 and later earned his bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University. After college, Tom began a lifelong career in the hydraulic industry, starting at Commercial Shearing and Stamping. He later moved to Cleveland to join Parker Hannifin, where he held several leadership roles for more than 20 years. After which, he was named the general manager of Universal Hydraulics. Before retiring, he started his own manufacturing representative and consulting firm, where he worked with local, national and international companies, including the NASA Space Shuttle Program.
Tom met his wife, Bernardine, in high school, and they shared 68 years of marriage rooted in faith and love. Together, they raised six children and built a life centered on family and service. A lifelong Catholic, Tom was a devoted parishioner of St. Clare Catholic Church for over 56 years after moving to the Cleveland area. He served on the parish council and participated in several outreach programs, living out his faith through action. His commitment to service extended to volunteering with Meals on Wheels, St. Philomena's Community Outreach, Richmond Heights Hospital and several local community organizations, where he quietly supported those in need.
Tom valued friendship and community. He was known for his warmth, loyalty and generosity, and maintained strong relationships throughout his life. His faith guided how he treated others -- with kindness, humility and respect.
He took pleasure in everything he did in life, from finding the best bargain while shopping to fishing with his sons and nephews, golfing with friends and entertaining with Bernardine. Tom had a way of finding humor in just about every situation and telling a story with a twinkle in his eye, giving life to the phrase, "When Irish eyes are smiling."
Tom leaves behind a legacy of devotion -- to God, to his family, and to the many friends who were blessed to know him.
The family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Tom from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, at the DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home of Willoughby Hills, 28890 Chardon Road (between Bishop Road and state Route 91).
Relatives and friends are requested to meet for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, at St. Clare Catholic Church, 5659 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst, OH 44124.
Private urn burial will take place at a later date in Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Tom to St. Clare Outreach, 5659 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst, OH 44124 or Ursuline High School, 750 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505.
Cremation by DeJohn Crematory.
View the online obituary and guestbook at www.DeJohnCares.com.
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