McIntyre, Thomas Joseph of Mission Hill and Jamaica Plain, passed from this life on Monday, November 12, 2018.
Pre-deceased by his wife Katherine Bowen McIntyre, also of Mission Hill. Proud father of Judith of Needham, Alice of West Roxbury, Susan of St. Petersburg, Fla, Tricia of Boston, Carol Gallagher and husband Joe of Hyde Park, Jean Maras and husband Stephen of Scituate, Kate Jacobs and husband Greg of Needham, Thomas of West Roxbury and Joseph and wife Barrett of New York City. Pre-deceased by parents Alice and Cornelius, brothers Eugene, John, and Richard and sister Audrey.
Devoted Grampa of Kayla, Audrey, Leah, Danny, Seth, David, Ava, Clara, Liam, Ella, Josie, Griffin, Rhys and Kira.
Tom was a lifelong member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Union, Local 103, Boston. A “brickie,” a Supervisor of Apprentices, and eventually 10th Vice President of the International Union, he remained on the forefront of the development, growth and vitality of all Labor Unions, and their importance to the lives of workers and their families. Passionate about affordable housing, he formed, with Pat Walsh, the Bricklayers and Laborers Non-Profit Corporation and pioneered the innovative collaboration of Boston’s Labor Unions, Boston City Hall and the city’s financial institutions in designing and constructing affordable housing for working class citizens in South Boston, Dorchester, Mission Hill, and the award-winning Building 104, Senior Housing, in the Charlestown Navy Yard.
A staunch and avid Democrat, he supported and campaigned for Democratic candidates on the local and state level beginning in the 1960’s. He was proud and honored to have been chosen by the Massachusetts delegation to announce the nomination of Governor Michael Dukakis for President at the Democratic National Convention in 1988.
A devoted fan, and season ticket-holder of the Boston College Eagles, he had fond memories of bringing his two young sons to football practices to watch a young kid named Doug Flutie make his way up the ranks. He was delighted that his grand-children continue this BC tradition.
Through his wife Katherine’s involvement, Tom became an ardent supporter and enthusiastic fund-raiser for the Jamaica Plain Footlight Club raising several thousands of dollars over many years for the restoration and continuation of America’s oldest continuing community theater.
As comfortable on-stage as off, he was a devoted and unabashed fan of “New Kids on the Block” and delighted in his son’s success. He was well-known and loved by New Kids fans around the world and thoroughly enjoyed his role as a “New Kids” dad.
A friend of Bill W. for over 46 years he made life-long friendships and unshakeable bonds that steered him through difficult times and carried him through to the end.
A rank-and-filer who never forgot where he came from, he considered his life a great bit o’ business.
Tom’s family would like to extend their deep appreciation to his doctors, nurses and the caregiving teams that helped him through his final days with family and friends at the German Home Edelweiss Assisted Living.
Family and friends will celebrate and remember Tom’s life by gathering for visiting hours at the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St., West Roxbury, on Friday Nov. 16, from 3:00 to 8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Basilica of our Lady of Perpetual Help, (Mission Church) 1545 Tremont St., Boston on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 10:00am. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, Boston, MA.