Thomas Francis Meagher III

Thomas Francis Meagher III, 77, of Gloucester, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, at his home under hospice care, with his daughter by his side and his family surrounding him in love. Born on July 26, 1948, in Johnson City, New York, Tom lived a full life grounded in humor, service to his community, and dedication to his family.

A proud Army brat, Tom spent his childhood in Germany, France, Hawaii, and the Philippines — experiences that shaped his cultural curiosity and lifelong appreciation for history. He attended high school in France, then graduated from Woodbridge High School in Virginia. He went on to earn a degree in sociology from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois, in 1972.

That same year, on June 10, 1972, Tom married Barbara Jean (Rink) Meagher, in Joliet, Illinois. They shared 53 years together—years filled with countless memories, laughter, challenges, and deep pride in the family they built and the bond that kept them together.

Tom and Barb raised their family in Prince William County, Virginia, where they lived for 40 years. Tom dedicated 35 years of service to the Prince William County Department of Social Services, as a supervisor and later advanced to administration. He took great pride in his work and often said he “whistled off to work each day, knowing he was helping others and serving his community”.

Tom loved nothing more than spending time with his family—whether cooking, crafting, fishing, woodworking, camping, or teaching his children and grandchildren to find joy in creativity and nature. A true outdoorsman, he even hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to North Carolina, an experience he packed for and planned for over many years —which, for him, was always half the fun of any trip.

He is survived by his wife Barbara of Gloucester, VA; his daughter Megan Crawley and son-in-law Jonathan Crawley of Los Angeles, CA; his son Thomas Meagher IV and daughter-in-law Lindsay Hall of Richmond, VA; and two beloved grandchildren, who knew him affectionately as “Grandpa Dude.”

He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, William Meagher and Donne Witt; sisters Patricia Shabunas and Katherine Banta and her partner Karen Callahan; nieces Emily Stanley and Colleen Shabunas; and nephews Sean Banta and Kevin Shabunas. The almost yearly family reunions at Crab Neck Oyster Farm were an important part of his life in his final years. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Thomas Meagher Jr. and Joy (Gourley) Meagher. 

Proud to be known as “Sir Tom,” like his dad, he lived with humor, integrity, and an unwavering belief in putting others first. One of Tom’s last trips was to Ireland, where he felt a deep connection to his Irish roots. He faced the end of his life with courage and faith, believing he was going to a better place.

A Celebration of Life will be held in November at Crab Neck Oyster Farm, for close family only.