Final Salute

HARWINTON – Thomas Joseph O’Meara, 82, passed away Sunday, Father’s Day, June 18, 2023, at Waterbury Hospital.

Tom was born in Torrington on July 26, 1941, son of the late Joseph T. and Veronica A. (Glenbiski) O’Meara, and was a lifelong Harwinton resident. He was a graduate of Oliver Wolcott Technical School for carpentry, which allowed him to build his own house where he lived for 50 years.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving in the Seabee Battalion as an EON 3 during the Vietnam era. His identity as a veteran was a source of great pride and rich storytelling, namely his time in Antarctica at McMurdo Station for nine months.

Upon his return from the Navy, Tom worked tirelessly and loyally for O&G Industries as a redi-mix driver with a 100% safety record, another point of great pride, retiring with 35 years of service. Before joining the Navy, he was employed with the town of Harwinton and the state of Connecticut DOT, where he met several lifelong friends of whom he valued.

Thomas J. O’Meara
He was a steward with Teamsters Local 677, another source of staunch pride. But none so much as the pride he took in becoming a father to his only child, Amy, whom he loved and cherished.

He was a devoted and faithful communicant of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church of Our Lady of Hope Parish, and never missed Mass. Tom enjoyed fishing, gardening, carpentry, antiques, history, genealogy, bluegrass, and was an antique car aficionado. His storytelling was unique, and his love of family and friends boundless.

He is survived by his longtime partner and loving companion, Joann Hohensee, who cared for him selflessly until his passing; daughter Amy J. Parent and partner Nathan, of Windsor; three grandchildren, Harrison and Zackary Parent, and granddaughter Marley Hohensee; dedicated sister-in-law and friend, Peggy O’Meara Boscarino of Torrington; and special niece and goddaughter, Erin L. Clark.

Tom was predeceased by his brother, James J. O’Meara, whom he loved and adored for his entire life and had missed dearly since his passing in 2015. He was also predeceased by a special cousin, George Smith, whom he revered and traveled with on occasion to Nova Scotia, which meant so much to Tom.

He loved his dog, Willow, who became his unexpected friend and whom he missed dearly since her passing. He had many other special cousins and loyal friends that he was fortunate to have and whom he spoke about with the highest regard.

A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 23, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 78 Litchfield Road, Harwinton. Burial with full military honors will follow in New St. Francis Cemetery, Torrington. Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, Torrington, is in care of arrangements.