Thomas O'Shaughnessy

Thomas Joseph O'Shaughnessy, 66, of Amherst, passed away August 1, 2025 at Avon Hospital at the Richard E. Jacobs Campus.
Born August 12, 1958 in Elyria, "Mr. O" devoted his life to music education. A proud graduate of THE Ohio State University and a trumpet player, he served as the Assistant Band Director at Perkins High School for over 30 years. A longtime member of the Ohio Music Education Association, Tom was deeply committed to nurturing the talent of every student who entered the band room. He lived for Thursday night marching band practices and brass sectionals. Over the course of his career, Tom taught and mentored thousands of students in the Sandusky area. He also led and participated in community music groups that brought joy to nursing homes and churches.
Tom's passion for music was matched only by his love of laughter. He preferred dark humor and would deliver horrendous "dad jokes" to anyone within earshot-including during family game nights, when people couldn't easily escape his comedy. He was a devoted fan of the Cleveland Guardians, an enthusiastic (if occasionally overconfident) DIY hobbyist, and took nightly walks at Beaver Creek Reservation alongside his beloved Westies.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen O'Shaughnessy (née Walter); former wife, Tina O'Shaughnessy (née Blankenship); children, Roger Garn, Katherine O'Shaughnessy (Cory Reinle), Ryan O'Shaughnessy, Rebecca Schmidt, and Jay Schmidt (Maartje). He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Collin, Viola, Alianor, Matilda, and Grace. Tom is also survived by sisters, Janet O'Shaughnessy and Jane Hildebrand; as well as nieces, Janet (Wade) Howles and Joely Hildebrand (Cássio Scofield); along with other extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Timothy and Janet O'Shaughnessy; sister, Joanne O'Shaughnessy; brother, Timothy O'Shaughnessy; and nephews, Matthew and Jeremy Hildebrand.
Tom wished to be cremated. Visitation will be held Friday, August 8 from 4-6:30 pm at Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. A memorial service will begin immediately following visitation. A graveside burial service will take place Saturday, August 9 beginning at 12 pm at Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lorain County Metro Parks, in honor of Tom's peaceful walks through the park with his Westies, Harry and Archie. Donations can be made online at https://www.loraincountymetroparks.com/gifts-and-donations.
One of the many students mentored by Tom, Justin Toft, is honored to serve as his funeral director. Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.