Thomas A. McNamara

Thomas A. McNamara, of North Quincy, MA, formerly of Dorchester, MA, passed away on November 1st at the age of 88.

Born and raised in Dorchester, the son of the late Aloysius and Margaret (Mahoney) McNamara, and the brother of Helene P. McNamara of Milton, Francis X. McNamara of Weymouth, the late Mary H. Cook, and the late Marjorie A. Campbell.

Tom was a gifted athlete and lifelong Boston sports fan. He played football at Boston College and was briefly signed to a contract with the Boston Patriots in 1962. He then played eight seasons of semi-professional football in the Boston Park League and was once named league MVP.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Boston College and a master's degree from Boston State College. He was a teacher in the Boston Public Schools for over thirty years. He had a positive impact on thousands of students in the classroom and on the athletic fields at Dorchester High School and Charlestown High School.

Tom was a man of deep faith and a devoted Catholic who attended Mass regularly. He lived his values of honesty, generosity, and humility every day. Known for his kindness, he was quick to lend a hand to anyone in need. He routinely donated blood to the Red Cross into his eighties. He was the first to lend money to family or friends in need, even if he had to borrow it first himself. He consistently donated to the Church and to other non-profits, instilling in his children the importance of charitable giving.

Tom met his beloved wife, Maureen (O'Reilly) McNamara, at the City Club of Boston. They were married on Valentine's Day and celebrated 55 years of marriage this year. Together they raised five children and were blessed with 14 grandchildren.

An avid walker and exercise enthusiast, Tom could often be found walking five miles along Wollaston Beach, where he also loved to swim. A lifelong Boston Celtics fan, he saw nearly every game Bill Russell played at the Boston Garden, attending so often as a young man that the ushers came to know him by name.

Tom had many talents and interests. He had a deep love of music reflected in his massive record collection. He also regularly attended musicals and shows with his wife, Maureen. He himself had a beautiful and powerful singing voice. It was impossible to hear him sing and not be moved whether he was part of a choir, accompanied by piano, or simply singing in the pews at his beloved church, Sacred Heart of Quincy.

Tom will be remembered for his strength, generosity, faith, and integrity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and dedication that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen (O’Reilly) McNamara; and his five children: Patrick McNamara and Katelyn Butler of Foxboro, MA; Thomas and Anne McNamara of Hanover, MA; Dan and Ashley McNamara of Brookline, MA; Katie and Christopher Higgins of Hanover, MA; and Francis and Lisa McNamara of Cohasset, MA. He is also survived by his 14 cherished grandchildren who all loved him dearly: Grady and Cecilia of Foxboro, MA; Liam, Grace, and Thomas McNamara of Hanover, MA; Joseph and Vivian of Brookline, MA; Sean, James, Malachy, and Christopher of Hanover, MA; and Jack, Emily, and Caroline of Cohasset, MA. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Keohane Funeral Home. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, November 9, from 2pm to 6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 10 at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Church in Quincy, MA. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in West Roxbury, MA.

See www.Keohane.com for directions and online condolences.