Thomas J O'Neil

Thomas John O'Neil Jr, affectionately known as 'Tommy O' to friends and family, passed away peacefully on October 13th, 2021 at Lehigh Valley Hospital Hospice. He was 63 years old. Tom was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 16,1958, a son of the late Thomas O'Neil Sr. and Claire (Talyor) Rudolph. He was also preceded in death by his younger brother Jackie who was his best friend as children. He is survived by his children Leslie, Kristie, Elizabeth and Tyler, sisters Maryann and Loretta, grandchildren, cousins, and his best buddy Aunt Joan who always had his back and held his hand in some of his final moments. Following in his fathers footsteps, Tom joined the Merchant Marines and enjoyed recounting his time on the ship. He spent the other half of his career as a talented carpenter with experience in other trades of building construction, Tom was an avid fisherman and found his peace in any stream or body of water he could cast a line. He was funny, sensitive, sarcastic, teased you like a big brother does. He enjoyed learning about the histories of our countries' World Wars. Lover of classic rock, most people will tell you they have 'their' song with him. Tom knew his way around the kitchen and would even make cooking tutorial videos to share with family and friends. Tom made awesome stuffed cabbage among other amazing recipes he created. He enjoyed feeding the deer, turkey, and wildlife in his backyard so they wouldn't starve. Tom loved a good selfie and took photos of everyone and everything, especially his family. In the spirit of a true Irish goodbye, Tom snuck out to heaven when his family briefly left the hospice bedside, They will be honoring his life and welcoming friends and family by celebrating him on Sunday, October 17th, 2021 at Bensing Thomas Funeral Home with a Catholic prayer service that begins promptly at 11am.