Thomas James O'Neill

Thomas “Tom” O’Neill, 63, of Stevensville, MI passed away Monday, January 21, 2019 at his home in Stevensville. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph with Pastor Phil Bubar officiating. Friends may visit from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM Friday, January 25, 2019 at the funeral home. In honor of Tom’s love for Alabama the family asks you wear red, or your Bama gear. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Sharen O’Neill. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence for the family may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Tom is survived by his loving wife Sharen; daughter Sherri DeRossett of Noblesville, IN; son Rob Thomason (Larry) Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Kayla (Michael) Baldridge of Marion, IN, Austin Thomason of Noblesville, IN and Alissa DeRossett of Noblesville, IN; great-grandchildren, Gabi, Peyton, Jagger & TJ and sister Kathy O’Neill of Rochester, NY. He was preceded in death by his parents. Tom was born on March 3, 1955 in Rochester, NY to Walter & Katherine “Mae” (Coon) O’Neill. He was a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School in Rochester, NY. He then went on to attend Suny Morrisville College studying journalism his passion. Tom then went on to attend University of Alabama (ROLL TIDE) writing sports articles. He became an avid Bama fan, even taking a picture of Bear Bryant and he hasn’t missed a game since. Even his great-grand kids call him Papaw Bama and say ROLL TIDE every time they would call or face time. He was a part of the BAMA alumni group that meets in Mishawaka to watch the BAMA games together and cheer on their team. He always led the first down cheer. ROLL TIDE ROLL Tom worked in the newspaper business for 35 years and retired from the Herald Palladium. He loved writing his sports column for the Mail Max. Tom truly enjoyed interviewing the players, watching the games and interacting with the fans. Sports writing was his true passion. Tom bowled in several leagues and attended the USBC National Championships for 26 years. He bowled two 300 games. He enjoyed spending time with his bowling buddies. This always put a smile on his face. ROLL TIDE ROLL! He was a member of the Marion Elks Lodge 195. Tom was the Exulted Ruler in 1988. Being a part of the Elks was brought on by his love of golf. This started with playing and caddying with his dad at his country club. He wanted these memories for his family and even put on teen dances for his daughter at the club. Tom was always taking the family to the country club to swim and have dinner after he played several rounds of golf. After retirement Tom started to work at Blossom Trails. He enjoyed intermingling with the golfers and playing 18, 36 or 54 holes of golf. The highlight of his week was golfing in the league with his buddy Bruce. ROOOOOLL TIDE did we mention he was an avid sports fan? Tom loved to visit his sister Kathy in Rochester. They would go to the ball diamond to watch the Red Wings play. ROLL TIDE ROLL He was an active member at The Chapel. Tom loved greeting people at the door as they came in. He enjoyed his small group bible study, they were like family to him. They were always there for each other to pray together, hold a hand, provide a shoulder to cry on and celebrate the good times. He loves his pastors, church family and row buddies. ROLL TIDE ROLL Tom loved talking to his neighbors at the mail box. This became their daily meeting place to chat and catch up. They were always there for each other and able to help out whether it be mowing the yard, plowing snow, picking up sticks or just smile, wave and provide a kind word. ROLL TIDE ROLL He loved spending time with his family and having everyone together. Listening to the kids laughter and hearing about what was going on in their lives. Every phone call, visit, face time or text put a huge smile on his face. Tom was greatly loved by them all and will never be forgotten. He will live on forever in their hearts and mind with all of the memories that he created with them. Tom will be greatly missed by all of them. ROLL TIDE ROLL Tom’s greatest love was his wife Sharen. His Pookie Bear, Honey Bunch, Love of His Life. He was an amazing husband, the Love of Her Life and truly her Best Friend. They spent 29 amazing years, each better than the last. Watching the sunsets on the bluff, vacations to the ocean or just holding hands and cuddling up to watch tv. Wherever they were together there was no doubt in all who saw them, how in love they were with each other. They were a perfect match from the beginning. A match truly made in Heaven.  ROLL TIDE ROLL We cry because he is so greatly missed, but celebrate because he is in Heaven. We will not say goodbye only Rest In Peace until we see him again. The greatest man on earth is now our Guardian Angel and we feel safe and loved knowing he’s watching over us. Forever in our hearts, always on our minds and remembered for your great love and huge heart. We love and miss you already. ROOOOOOOOLL TIDE ROLL !!!!!!!!