Thomas More O'Leary
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Thomas More O'Leary passed into the loving arms of Jesus Christ Sunday morning, January 24, 2021, after a short battle with cancer. with his identical twin, Gregory P. O'Leary at his side. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Susan P. Wise, Sean Francis O'Leary and Amy Creeden. He is survived by his brother, Michael J. O'Leary (Connie), Patrick J. O'Leary (Kathleen), Francis St. Clair O'Leary, Jr (Melissa), Gregory P O'Leary, and Christopher M O'Leary, and by his sisters Sarah O'Leary Takacs and Margret O'Leary along with many nieces and nephews, and his beloved Cockatiel Fluffy.
Tom was born April 29, 1962 in Pittsburgh, PA, and later moved with his family to Stone Harbor, NJ where he graduated from Middle Township High School in 1980. Growing up near the ocean of Stone Harbor, he became an avid surfer and loved the ocean. He then moved to Hilton Head in the early 80's where he started, We Haul, a moving business dedicated to employing the less fortunate. Remembered by his friends as having a deep heart for those in need, Tom made everyone feel like a friend. Often asking, "who's your friend, who's your pal?" as a way to put a smile on your face. Tom had a way of making everyone feel special and welcome, this usually came by way of a nickname or by adding "Cat" to the end of your name, and in turn he was affectionately referred to as 'TomCat" by his closest friends. Known in his family for his Hawaiian print shits, infectious laugh, and fun loving personality, his nieces and nephews lovingly called him "favorite Uncle Tom". Tom was a devout Catholic and lived each day dedicated to his faith. He was also dedicated to helping his community, often assisting the homeless in finding shelter during hurricanes and storms. He was a regular at coffee shops and beach locations around town, where he would sit and talk for hours, making anyone his "pal".
Tom's celebration of life will be held during Mass, Saturday, 9:30 AM, at Holy Family, with an Interment immediately following at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church Columbarium in Bluffton.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Holy Family Catholic Church's St Vincent DePaul Society Gratetful Hearts Lunch Program. www.keithfuneral.com.