Thomas James O’Meara

August 17, 1947 - August 7, 2018

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Chapel of Ewing Crematory

78 Scotch Road

Ewing, NJ 08628

609-882-0279 |

Life celebration services followed by cremation were private.

cemetery

Chapel of Ewing Crematory

78 Scotch Road

Ewing, NJ 08628

609-882-0279 |

Cremation was private under the direct supervision of the Wright & Ford Family Licensed Care Team.

Make a Memorial Donation

Thomas James O’Meara, age 70 years, of Clinton Township, NJ, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, August 7, 2018.

Born in Englewood, NJ, August 17, 1947, son of the late Walter and Mildred Burns O’Meara, Tom had lived in Clinton Township, since 2000, having been raised in Demarest, NJ and living in Leonia, NJ for 28 years prior.

A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Tom was a retired Captain with the Leonia Police Department, where he served as Acting Chief for a period of time.

Known as an officer that was kind and fair, Tom was respected and loved by all on the department. He always looked for the good in people, and tried to make his police work have an impact for the better. He also served as the department’s “D.A.R.E” officer for a time, helping countless youth learn about the dangers of drug use as well as serving as the juvenile officer, helping to take troubled youth and redirect them onto a better life path.

Tom also owned and operated O’Meara’s Home Improvements, a home improvement business in Leonia, and later in Clinton Township. Later he worked as a security guard for the Somerset Alternative School, Somerset, NJ for ten years prior to retiring and devoting more time to volunteering in the community.

A United States Army veteran of the Vietnam era, Tom will be remembered as a man who, above all else, loved his fellow man completely and unconditionally.

Devout in his faith, he believed in serving God by being kind and trying to simply be a good person. This unconditional love is what will be most remembered by anyone who was fortunate enough to have known Tom.

A longtime communicant of Immaculate Conception Church, Clinton, NJ, where he taught CCD, Tom also volunteered with Hunterdon County Meals on Wheels and served a a minister to the youth at Mountainside Youth Correctional Facility in Hunterdon County. He was about to receive the “Volunteer of the Year” award from them in the upcoming months for his dedication to helping those who have had some troubles, figure out better life choices.

Genuine and humble, Tom would not want much said about him or unnecessary accolades thrust upon him. However, he would want it known that he loved his wife, children and grandchildren immensely, and always did whatever he could for them and anyone else who needed help. That was Tom: kind, compassionate, gentle, caring, faithful and loving.

If there could be a living embodiment of “love”, then Tom would be that person. The message Tom would want all to take from his life is best summed up in 1 Corinthians 13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

The love Tom had for his fellow man and for his God, is not silenced by his death, but rather will live on in the lives of all who have been touched by him for the better.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Donald O’Meara and a sister-in-law, Darlene Irish.

Surviving are his wife of forty-nine years, Cheryl Bridges O’Meara, with whom he joined hands in marriage on April 12, 1969 in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Ft. Lee, NJ; a son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Kelly O’Meara; a daughter and her partner, Keri O’Meara and Brooke Fairbanks; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Walter and Linda O’Meara and John and Ann O’Meara; a sister and her partner, Sharon O’Meara and Amy Periello; his grandchildren, Maverick, Mackayla, Meaghan, Riley and Dylan O’Meara; a sister-in-law, Nobuko O’Meara, a sister-in-law and her husband, Janice and Carlos Alvardo; a brother-in-law, Jay Irish; many extended family; and many dear friends.

Life celebration services followed by cremation at the Chapel of Ewing Crematory, Ewing Township, NJ were private under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Please visit Tom’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of his life.

For those who wish, contributions in Tom’s name may be made to Breast Cancer research through the Susan G. Komen Foundation by clicking HERE. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated.

_______________________________

Wright & Ford, your local, family owned and operated “Life Celebration Home”

Chapel of Ewing Crematory

78 Scotch Road

Ewing, NJ 08628

609-882-0279 | Map

Life celebration services followed by cremation were private.

Chapel of Ewing Crematory

78 Scotch Road

Ewing, NJ 08628

609-882-0279 | Map

Cremation was private under the direct supervision of the Wright & Ford Family Licensed Care Team.

Make a Memorial Donation

Thomas James O’Meara, age 70 years, of Clinton Township, NJ, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Born in Englewood, NJ, August 17, 1947, son of the late Walter and Mildred Burns O’Meara, Tom had lived in Clinton Township, since 2000, having been raised in Demarest, NJ and living in Leonia, NJ for 28Continue Reading

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I send my deepest condolences Kelly. Lost my Dad last year + its very hard. Also lost our only child, Jeff in 10/16. Heartbreaking loss. I miss you + how sweet you always were to me. Rebecca Fenn

I just found out about Tom's passing. I will pray for his happiness in Heaven. Love and prayers go out to Cheryl and the whole family. Love, Peggy Tassiello and family.

My condolences to the O'meara family, I was out of the country on vacation and just heard of your tragic loss. Heaven has gained another angel. He will truly be missed. We worked together at scesc for 10 years before he retired and we talked a lot about the work he wanted to do for the Lord once he retired. Kind, Gentle, patient, understanding, and loving to the children. He would give them the shirt off his back with no questions asked. Weeping may endure for a night but joy will come in the morning. RIP Mr. O

So sorry to hear about Tom. My thoughts will be with you and the family.

Cheryl & Family: I was a classmate of Tom’s at Saints. He was such a wonderful man. Reconnected at reunions, most recently in 2016. Always a fun, fun man. My prayers & condolences to the O’Meara family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

While there are few words that I could speak to comfort you, I do want you to know that you are being held in my thoughts and prayers during this most unbearable time. My deepest condolences to you, Cheryl, Shawn, Keri, Bing, Jack, Sharon and the entire O’Meara family, on the loss of Tom. I was honored to have known him and to have had the opportunity, not that long ago, to share a very enjoyable phone conversation with him during the time of his visit with Shawn and family in New Hampshire. Perhaps knowing that Tom’s wonderful, warm soul will live on within those created from him, and those who befriended him, will bring peace to your broken hearts. With my sincerest love to all of you, Mary.

In memory of Thomas James O'Meara, Nianna French lit a candle

Tom. The last time I saw you was as the Lector at the 7:00 AM morning mass at Immaculate Conception Church. I enjoyed your smile and devotion to the mass. I know God will say "Welcome and job well done". John and Susan Sappington

Dear Cheryl .Shawn Keri and family We are so sad to hear about Tom. Tom left us too soon.He was such a kind and wonderful friend. Richie and I shared so many memories with you and Tom. We will never forget Tom: he has left a foot print on our hearts. Love Vivian and Richiie,??

Our sincere condolence to you family in this time of loss. Although we only met Thomas a short time ago and did not know him well, we have had the pleasure of getting to know his son Shawn while working at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in New Hampshire. Thomas touched a lot of lives and helped a lot of people. Shawn continues to carry forth his legacy in his work with people that are most in need.

Our prayers are with you.

To the O'Meara family- So very sorry to hear this. It was an honor and a privilege to know Mr. O'Meara. He was such a good man. My heart goes out to you all. Kelly O'Toole-Monroe

In memory of a great man and friend. Keeping his family in my prayers.

I had the pleasure of working with Tom at SCESC for 7 years. It was a tough job, and many times the safety of the students and staff was compromised, but he was so good at protecting us, and occasionally suffered injuries in the process. He never complained, and never stopped smiling. He was that guy who you could always count on, and I hated when he was absent. He never forgot to check on me when I had to sub, and he gave the best advice. He was a very humble man, and yet a powerful presence. He exuded class, confidence, and positive energy. He was a peaceful, gentle, old soul, who had so much respect for everyone. He is one of those outstanding people who you never forget, and will always hold a special place in your heart. In March of 2017, I just happened to run into him at the Washington diner, and I am so grateful that I got to see him one last time. Family and friends of Tom, I am so sorry for your loss, and pray for your peace and comfort, during this very sad time. Rest in peace Mr. O. You were always an angel in my eyes, and may God Bless you always. ? Eva Hughes

Cheryl, Shawn, Keri and family We are all saddened to hear of Tommy's passing. He was a good and loyal friend to the entire Murphy family, and a very important part of the Leonia community. We will always remember his smiling face and gentle manner. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

I am so sorry for your loss, Cheryl. Tom was such a wonderful individual - so kind and caring. He was the type of person that would do anything for you. I wish there were some words that would ease your pain. He was so proud of his family and that's who you have to rely on going forward to bridge this difficult time. I extend my deepest condolences.

I'm speechless to hear of this. To the O'Meara family I pass along my condolences. He was an incredible person to have known. We didn't always see eye to eye, but I do know he cared deeply about me. He did his best to get me on a correct path. He succeeded, just took longer then most. Tommy O is how I knew him and will always remember him.

Cheryl, So sorry to hear about your loss. I will remember Tom as a kind soul who always had a smile for everyone. He will be missed. Thinking about you. Tracy Flatley

Cheryl, Shawn and Keri, Living next door to you in Leonia, I frequently babysat for you and have thought of your family over the years. My sincerest sympathies to your entire family.

In memory of Thomas James O'Meara, Diane & Tom Hartmann lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

The Malloy family sends its sincere condolences to the O'Meara family. Tom was such a well respected police officer in town and a true gentleman. May all of your memories comfort you and bring you peace. Sending prayers. God bless.

I am so saddened by what has to be a sudden loss. Every time I ran into him he was so happy to see me. He made you feel important and like he really liked you. Well the feeling was mutual and I feel blessed we had one of those encounters recently . My heart breaks for his beautiful family. Tom we will have another chance encounter and I will be so happy to see you again.

My heart goes out to the O'Meara family. I am sad to hear of their loss and my thoughts and prayers are with them.

In memory of Thomas James O'Meara, Terri Tietjen lit a candle

Our sincere condolences to the O'Meara family. Tom was a great guy and will be missed by all.

Tom it was a pleasure to have worked with you and to have known you all these years. You were always a unique individual who cared deeply about those who's paths you crossed. May you rest in peace and may your family be comforted in knowing that many people who have known you are thinking highly of you. You may be gone but you'll not be forgotten.

I have no words to express my level of sorrow for one of the finest men that I have ever known. I loved this man and he was always there for me. It didn’t matter when or where. He made me a better police officer and a better man. He was the quintessential role model of what a man should be and I have tried to emulate him through my life and career. My condolences to the entire family. We lost a great man and the world is a lesser place without him.

Cheryl, Shawn & Kelly.....Having met Tom only twice, it was nevertheless abundantly clear to me that he had a good and kind core. I know you must all have wonderful memories, and I hope that they can sustain you during this most difficult time. My very sincere condolences to all of you.

When I heard of Tom's passing, this quote by Lao-Tse came to mind: Kindness in words creates confidence, Kindness in thinking creates profoundness, kindness in giving creates love. He was a kind and giving man who enriched and touched so many lives. He will be missed by all who knew him, but we all have a piece of his kindness that will help us get through these difficult days. Our deepest sympathy to Cheryl, Keri, Shawn and families with special hugs to Maverick, Mackayla, Meaghan, Riley and Dylan.

I was raised in Leonia and graduated from LHS. I remember that smiling face. Thank you for your service. May God bring comfort to his family and friends during this difficult time. Sincerely, Amanda Sanders (Bauer)

Cheryl I cannot express how sorry I am to hear of Toms passing. He was truly a good man. I have such great memories of our picnics at the pool. We have known each other for many years. I always admired both you and Tom. You, Shawn, Keri and the rest of your family are in my prayers. Arlene and Ron

I am deeply saddened. I felt Tom and Cheryl's love from the very first time I met them. Tom always asked a lot of questions letting me know that he was interested in hearing my story. Warm, welcoming, kind, and caring are the feelings I will hold close to my heart as I think of Tom. I am thinking about the family every minute of each day and sending you all healing and comforting energy through my thoughts.

Cheryl, my deepest sympathy to you,your children and all who loved Tom. There are no words of comfort that I can wirite that will help you at this time. Just know I am thinking of you and yours and saying prayers for healing.

Karen forwarded this news to me, and I want to offer a work of condolence to Cheryl, Shawn, Keri and the rest of your family. The obituary notice evokes the man I knew during my Leonia years. I had a great deal of appreciation and respect for Tom as a friend, police officer, community contributor and family man. I know you will miss him greatly, even as he continues in your memories and the love with which he continues to enrich your lives. Deke Spierling New Windsor, NY I

Tom was a gentle man and a gentleman. Both he and Cheryl helped me in so many ways . I was talking about him this weekend.. how he helped students and even took the time to talk to my nephew when he need a strong man to talk to. Rest In Peace Tom You will be missed

Tom was a Saints high school friend and wrestler with me. A great guy - his passing is a loss beyond comprehension. I am so sorry for his family and close friends.

So deeply saddened to hear of Tom’s passing may he eternally rest in piece our hearts go out to you and your beautiful family

O'Meara Family, I am deeply saddened for your loss. I had the utmost respect for Tom he was a big part of my growing up in Leonia. He is solely responsible for the way my life turned out and I am forever indebted to him. May God look over all of you during this difficult time.

Cheryl, Keri, and family, Sending you all my love and prayers. Even from a distance it was easy to adore Tom. He had a energy that was pure goodness, and people were drawn to him. I'm thinking of you every day and here to support you in any way I can. Love you all. -shocks

To dear Cheryl, Shawn, Keri and family, My heart goes out to you all. You were so blessed to have had the best. Jack and I had so much respect and admiration for this very gentle man. You are and will continue to be in my prayers. May God give you the peace and comfort that only He can give.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Tom O"Meara was a wonderful human being.I worked with him at Somerset Academy for over six years. He was always kind and fair to all students which wasn't any easy task. Many of our students had anger and emotional issues as well and drug and alcohol addictions. Tom would always be patient and listen to the concerns of these students and would also offer advice to staff members when approached. Tom was also a lover of books, and I would sometimes buy him a novel for the holidays and he would often reciprocate. I will treasure the most recent book Tom gave to me-"A Thousand Pleasant Suns." I haven't seen Tom in a few years, but his strong commitment to his job, and his love for all children are easily recalled.

Cheryl and family, I am so deeply saddened to hear of Tom's passing. I have such wonderful memories of Tom from high school and then reconnecting as our high school reunion was being planned. I was blown away of what a spectacular man Tom had become. What a kind and generous man! He will be missed. My deepest sympathy to you all. May Tom rest in peace.

Cheryl and your entire family, we were so saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers and this sad and difficult time. You have so many wonderful memories of all the times Tom was with you and that will keep him with you all, always. Sending hugs. Love Terri and the Shea family.

Our sincere condolences to the O'Meara family.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Cheryl and family. Tom will be greatly missed my myself and my family. Tom was a great person to work with. My am very happy we were able to spend time with Tom and Cheryl at their pool. God bless you Tom. I know you are with our lord and savor.

Dear Cheryl and family, So sorry for your loss, I’m so shocked and feel terrible for you al! Loved him, wonderful human being!! My deepest sympathy and may he Rest In Peace! Helen Saitta

Sincere condolences to Cheryl and family. Tom was a great and generous man to all who had the privilege to know him. He will be greatly missed.

We are so saddened to hear of Tom’s death—what a gracious and fine man. Our hearts go out to you all. With sincere sympathy, Ray and Pete

I am so unbelievably saddened by this news. A part of my childhood memories, a warm, wonderful man. You will be missed but always remembered. If any of you need anything please reach out.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.