Thomas W. Abernethy III 1954-2025
BOARDMAN — Thomas “Tim” Wilson Abernethy III, 71, joined his parents, Tom and Grace Abernethy, in Heaven on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025. Running into the arms of his parents on Christmas Eve, Tim was no doubt also welcomed by his infant sister, Katherine Marie, as well as a multitude of joyous family and friends.
Tim was born May 31, 1954, in Cincinnati.
Tim was a childhood medical miracle who went on to be the driving force behind social change in the Jefferson County area, especially during the 1960s and 1970s. His influence inspired a school and workshop to be built, voters to be informed, the first overnight camp for children with disabilities to be established and many to pursue professional careers in helping others.
He gave family and friends a set of values that cannot be taught in a school or church but can only be acquired by knowing a person like him. His presence taught lessons about the true meaning of acceptance and the beauty of differences. In some magical way, everyone who has met Tim has grown from the experience. Life takes on a different meaning when you have spent your childhood trying to preserve it.
In Tim’s world, there was no hatred, anger or prejudice. Every day was a new adventure met with childlike enthusiasm. In spite of his 71 years, he maintained a fascination for cars, firetrucks and his red wagon. Tim was known for never forgetting a birth date, a pet’s name or a song title.
To quote a piece written by Tim’s father, “I’m not saying that no home should be without a Tim. Certainly not. But, it would be to your advantage to know one.”
Tim loved his family more than anything. Left to cherish his memory are his siblings, Susan (Tom) Davis of Locust, North Carolina, Michael (Darlene) Abernethy of Roscoe, Illinois, Jennifer (Peter) Taylor of Xenia and Barbara (Michael) Cummings of Canfield. Tim was also known only as “Uncle” to his 10 nieces and nephews, Tim, Katie, Christine, Jonathan, Benjamin (Aubrie), Emily, Jacob (Aspacia), Grace, Audra and Trevor (Cha); and five great-nieces and great-nephews, Archer, Maria Grace, Lily, Madison, and TJ. He is also survived by adored aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Briarfield Place, including nursing, aides, dietary, activities, housekeeping, therapy, the care plan team, receptionists and administrative staff for all the love, dignity and support shown to Tim since his arrival in 2023. The family would also like to thank the staff at Tim’s workshop, MASCO Inc., for their love, advocacy and striving to provide a daily purpose in a quality environment.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel in Steubenville.
A funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Canfield.
A private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tim’s workshop, MASCO Inc., 160 Marlwood Circle, Boardman, OH 44512.
Offer condolences at www.mostifuneralhome.com.
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