Tom O'Boyle

Thomas Martin O'Boyle, 86, died unexpectedly on April 21, 2025, at his home in Cleveland, OH. Tom, known as Uncle Tom to his family, was the oldest of 10 children, born March 31, 1939, in Cleveland. He stepped in as the family patriarch when his father, Melvin "Bud" O'Boyle, died in 2013. The consummate older brother, Tom was quick to remind his siblings to come home when the street lights came on. He also was known to patrol the streets near their Cleveland home, knocking on car windows to let his sisters know they had been "parked" for far too long and it was time to come inside. As everyone grew up and scattered across the Greater Cleveland area, he would ask his siblings if they had their passports stamped when they crossed the border into the "inner city." To his nieces and nephews, he was known as the Candy Man, supplying them with treats they weren't allowed to have at home. He also was landlord to several nieces and nephews, who lived in an apartment he owned as they saved up to start their own families and buy their own homes. Uncle Tom was everyone's favorite - favorite brother, favorite uncle, favorite person. He took care of everyone and everything in a humble and compassionate way- he was one of the good guys. He never showed anger and will be remembered for his storytelling and his laugh. Amidst life's challenges, his favorite saying was "Life goes on." As a veteran of the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1965, Tom served much of his active duty in the Philippines. He was a handyman who fixed everything, including a toddler's squeaky training wheels. His work life took him to a variety of places, including as a repairman for Caloric gas ranges, owner of B&D Delivery with his brother Bill, and as a delivery driver for UPS and Bedpost Furniture. He retired from Industrial Glove & Towel in Cleveland as a delivery driver. In his free time, besides taking care of the family plots at area cemeteries, Tom helped tend the Blessed Trinity Edible Forest and Community Garden in the Bellaire-Puritas neighborhood, planting fruit trees and building raised boxes for the vegetables. He also built a stonework path and statuary for St. Joseph. Tom leaves behind his sister Eileen (Charles, deceased), and brothers William (Kaye) O'Boyle, Patrick (Kelly) O'Boyle, Kevin (Renee) O'Boyle and Martin (Janet, deceased) O'Boyle, as well as many nieces, nephews and grands. He was preceded in death by his parents Melvin "Bud" and Ruth O'Boyle, and sisters Sheila (Walter, deceased) Haroch, Rosemary (Richard, deceased) Lancaster, Dorothy O'Boyle and Maryann (Gary) Klemens. A graveside service will take place on May 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Blessed Trinity Community Garden, 14040 Puritas Ave. Save & Publish, Cleveland, OH 44135. "You are loved" - Tom O'Boyle