Thomas F. O’Reilly Esq.
Thomas F. O’Reilly Esq.
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Son of the late Brookline Fire Department Captain Thomas F. O'Reilly and Anne M. (Donoghue) O'Reilly, Tom studied at Boston College before serving as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, including a tour in Vietnam. He later served at the U.S. Naval Activity Command in London, England, as a Guard Officer for the Naval Nuclear Training Facility, and stateside as Infantry Company Commander at Camp Lejeune. He concluded his military service with a Navy Commendation Medal for composure under enemy fire, a Vietnamese Service Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation.
Back in Massachusetts, Tom joined the State Department Security Division, guarding heads of state around the world while pursuing his law degree at Suffolk University. Over decades of legal service, Tom built a career defined by skill, integrity, and dedication, culminating in his role as Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County, where he handled numerous high-profile cases and commanded respect as a formidable yet fair prosecutor.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom was deeply devoted to his family. He was the go-to 2 a.m. call for his nieces and nephews, a fiercely loyal brother, and a steadfast uncle - always ready to offer honest guidance, debate any topic, or find the perfect gift. A South Boston resident for decades, Tom could often be found on his front balcony, taking in his slice of the Boston Harbor view with his police scanner on full volume.
Tom's legacy is one of service, grit, and love - a brilliant man who lived life guided by a strong moral compass and left a lasting mark on all who knew him.
Funeral Services private.
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11 Entries
Marc Eichler
Yesterday
Tom O was an amazing lawyer, mentor, friend and role model. Nearly 35 years after first meeting him, his wisdom, wit and sarcasm is just as vivid in my mind now as it was then. He left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Tom you will be missed but never forgotten. RIP Tom.
Mike Durkin
Yesterday
I had the great privilege as a Lowell Police Officer of having Tom, as an ADA, not only prosecute many cases in the Superior Court but also be available to give advice during an investigation, usually in the middle of the night. He was a tremendous lawyer and friend. Several times in our career, usually following a successful investigation or prosecution, Tom would come for dinner with my family to continue the celebration. At Tom's insistence, my young sons would sing the Marine Corps hymn along with him. The police Officers who had their cases prosecuted by Tom O'Reilly became better cops because of the experience. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Mike Durkin, Lowell, Ma USA
Oct. 13, 2025
David Yannetti
Yesterday
I had the privilege of trying murder cases with Tom O´Reilly and then against Tom O´Reilly. You could not ask for a better partner or a more ethical opponent. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Mark Delaney
Yesterday
Rest in Peace Tom. A very good man and outstanding prosecutor. It was a pleasure to work with him at Middlesex District Attorneys Office. It was an honor to have known him.
Colonel Mark Delaney
Massachusetts State Police (retired)
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Thomas Quigley
Yesterday
RIP Tom O, the old pro. We had a lot of fun, win, lose, or draw.
Semper Fi brother.
Tom Quigley
Danielle Day
October 12, 2025
Tom was a hero in so many facets of his life, and I and my gymnastics teammates were lucky enough to be on the receiving end of his heroism in the courtroom. He fought for us and for justice and gave us all the opportunity to heal from a terrible injustice we experienced as youths. He will forever have our gratitude and his memory will be carried on by all of us, as he truly changed our lives by giving us the justice we deserved. We will NEVER forget him.
Kerry Ahern
October 12, 2025
I had the great fortune of having Tom as a mentor and good friend for over 30 years. He was fiercely loyal, incredibly witty and always committed to seeking justice in the courtroom. Like myself, so many young ADAs benefitted from his wisdom and guidance. While to some he often appeared gruff, those that adored him knew he had a heart of gold. Tom loved his family, and would often talk about how proud he was of his nieces and nephews. He was also very proud of his service to this country. I will miss him greatly. My deepest condolences go out to his family. Kerry Ahern
Michael Sullivan
October 12, 2025
To Tom´s Family:
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Tom has been described by members of our office as, "formidable but fair," "a legend, who had amazing stories," "a great lawyer," and "great guy overall." Tom truly lived the Jesuit motto "of people for others."
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Michael Sullivan
And the Members of the Middlesex Superior Court
Michael Chinman
October 12, 2025
Tom O taught me the most important lesson I learned as a prosecutor: don't be scared of the truth. He wasn't, always, he wasn't.
EJ Frammartino
October 12, 2025
Rest in peace Tom, great guy
Peg Foley
October 11, 2025
RIP Tom you will be missed you were truly one of a kind
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