Thomas Harper McAvoy

Thomas H. McAvoy of Largo, Florida passed away peacefully on July 8, 2023. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and dedication to family, friends and career. Tom was born September 1, 1927 in White Plains, NY to the late James H. McAvoy and Elsa K. Harper. He leaves his loving wife Cathleen (Nolan) McAvoy after 76 years of marriage. Their enduring relationship began while Tom was enlisted in the U.S. Navy and stationed in Long Beach, N.Y during World War II. From there, Tom graduated from Syracuse University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in education and played basketball and baseball for the Orangemen. He taught briefly in public schools before being recruited as a special agent in the FBI where he served in Washington D.C. and at the criminal investigation desk in Kansas City. He enjoyed his tenure with the FBI and was a lifetime member of the Society of Former Special Agents.

Tom and Cathleen subsequently returned to Long Island, N.Y. where Tom followed his passion into the field of education and earned a Master of Science in Education from Hofstra University. His career in the Farmingdale Public School District included roles as teacher, guidance counselor, principal and coordinator of substance abuse and education. Throughout his career in education, Tom enjoyed working closely with students, parents, police departments and community groups.

Tom couldn’t be convinced to enjoy golf or fishing in retirement, and he was most content while working in education. In 1985 Tom “retired” from the Farmingdale School System and he and Cathleen moved to Largo, Florida. Shortly thereafter, he joined the staff at St. Patrick Catholic School as a guidance counselor. While there, Tom partnered with his contacts at the FBI’s desk on community relations to bring programs on risk management, cyberbullying and internet safety. He was active in charitable and civic organizations, and volunteered as an usher at St Patrick church for many years.

Tom had a penchant for vibrant clothing (particularly red socks) and had a ready arsenal of jokes for every occasion. He especially enjoyed family gatherings in Cape Cod and reunions in the New York,/New Jersey area. He had an affinity for teaching the ways of investing to his family, collecting German steins and keeping his car in impeccable shape. He was a devout Catholic, enjoyed church activities and volunteered as Eucharist Minister of Holy Communion at Ellison of Pinecrest in Largo. Tom was always quick to relay the story of Sister Ruth McAvoy who founded a religious order that he was proud of known as the Handmaid’s of the Most Holy Trinity.

In addition to his wife Cathleen, he is survived by three children: Kathleen Rosa and her husband Bob of Ocean Township N.J.; Tom Jr. and his fiance Pamela George of Pine Plains N.Y., Peter and his wife Maureen of Lexington MA; his sister Elsa McAvoy and his brother James McAvoy; five grandchildren; Mark Rosa, Luke Rosa and his wife Mannikka; Molly Rosa Walsh and her husband Patrick; Cara Hermanson and her husband Kurt, Lauren McAvoy, numerous nieces and nephews and five great grandchildren; Brielle, Millie, Myles, Rosie and Coralie. Tom was predeceased by his parents, his brother Alois McAvoy, and his sister, Sister Ruth McAvoy.

A visitation for Thomas will be held Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774. A funeral service will occur 11am Friday, July 21, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1507 Trotter Road, Largo, FL 33770 with a graveside service to follow at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774. The family will then invite all attendees to join them for a reception at Serenity Funeral Home.

Tom’s family would like to send special thanks to all the wonderful staff at Ellison of Pinecrest in Largo who were always so patient, attentive, and kind. We are very grateful for all of their loving care over the last few years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Patrick Catholic School of Largo Florida 1501 Trotter Rd, Largo, FL 33770 https://stpatricklargo.org/online-giving