Thomas F. McAvoy Jr., 78, of Indigo Road, Barrington, passed away unexpectedly on April 1, 2024 at home with his brother and sister by his side. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, the son of the late Thomas F. McAvoy Sr. and Florence (Marshall) McAvoy.
He was a 68 year resident of Barrington and graduate of the class of 1963 from Barrington High School. Tom participated in cross-country, indoor and outdoor track. He graduated from Providence College in 1969. After graduating college, he served in the Rhode Island National Guard. In 1975, Tom along with his brother Marshall McAvoy and Uncle James Marshall founded Newsletter Press, Inc., in East Providence and operated it for over 30 years. In 2005, he joined the Allied Group in Cranston until his retirement in 2020.
Tom loved gardening and flowers, reading about history, genealogy and the family tree, golf, his favorite beach Bakers Beach, his Providence College Friars and Christmas. He hosted the yearly Christmas Eve Open House - a 50-year tradition started by his parents. Tom was a longtime member of Montaup Country Club and Providence College Basketball season ticket holder. He was a member of Bristol County Elks Lodge and a member and past President of the East Bay Golf League. He spent many summers playing softball with Newsletter Press, winning a number of championships. He attended the Frye Golf Outing in Maine for over thirty years.
Tom is survived by his loving brother J. Marshall McAvoy and sister Karen McAvoy of Barrington. He was the brother of the late Kevin McAvoy. He is survived by a nephew and godchild William McAvoy (Jacqui Macek) of Warwick, a niece Erin Loya (Justin Loya) of Barrington, three great-nieces Evelyn Loya, Lillian Loya and Mara McAvoy, uncle James Marshall (Lila Marshall) of Barrington, cousins Mary Page (Jason Page), Marshall Page, Catherine Page, Jackson Page and Helen Marie Page of Hyde Park, NY, sister-in-law Christine McAvoy of Jamestown, his best buddy (and very spoiled cat) McKenzie, godchildren Hillary Harbach Williamson, Elizabeth Schwarz and the late Jay Zebrasky as well as many lifelong friends.
Tom was kind, loyal and humble. He was the most patient person you would meet. Tom was an amazing, caring and generous son, brother, nephew, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend. The most important things in Tom’s life were family, church, loyalty and friends. If you knew Tom it was a gift and a blessing.
His Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 9:00AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street, Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Monday, April 8, 2024 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. Contributions in his honor may be made to Providence Animal League, 34 Elbow Street Providence, RI 02903. Flowers are welcome. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River.
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