Thomas Michael O’Keefe, 79, of Chelmsford, formerly of Lowell, Dracut, Colorado and Salisbury Beach, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 after a brief illness at Sunny Acres in Chelmsford. He was the beloved husband of Sharon R. (Olson) O’Keefe with whom he shared the past 46 years of marriage.
A son of the late Cornelius T. O’Keefe and the late Elizabeth M. (Kelly) O’Keefe, he was born on March 13, 1944 in Lowell and he was raised and educated in the Lowell area. He was a graduate of Lowell High School with the Class of 1962. He then went to college in Boston studying court stenography. After completing his education he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country for a period of 4 years. He was originally stationed in Tampa and eventually was deployed to Vietnam. He was honorably discharged as a Vietnam War veteran.
Tom had a long career in the field of stenography and the industrial accident board, throughout New England and Colorado. He eventually retired in 2009. He loved to dance and he also enjoyed football. Spending time at Salisbury Beach with his family meant the world to him.
Besides his beloved wife, Sharon, he is survived by his daughter, Cheri-An R. Whitehouse and her husband, John, of East Wakefield, NH, his grandchildren, Nicole Gauthier of Exeter, NH, Amber Poussard and her husband, Mark, of Barrington, NH, Elizabeth Whitehouse of Rochester, NH, and his great granddaughter, Natalya Souther of Barrington, NH. He also leaves behind his sister, Rita Ballos of Dracut and his brother, Mickey O’Keefe and his wife, Donna, of Lowell, his brother in law, Strat Westgate of Chicago, and his niece, Shanna Coyle of Dracut, he was a caretaker to him and several additional nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his son, the late Brian Robert O'Keefe , and his siblings, the late Lillian Gelberto, Terry Koukias, Francis O'Keefe, John O'Keefe, Elizabeth Westgate and Patricia Dixon.
On Friday, April 7, 2023 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, 978-458-6816. His funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. at the funeral home followed by procession to Lowell Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations in his name please be made to: Vietnam Agent Orange Relief & Responsibility Campaign, P.O.Box 303 – Prince Station, New York, NY 10012-0006 or online at Click here to donate at any time.