Thomas Carroll Ahern

2/16/1920 - 1/13/2016

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Obituary For Thomas Carroll Ahern

Thomas C. Ahern entered into rest on January 13th, 2016 in Fremont, CA at the age of 95. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Edna M. Ahern of Fremont, CA; his beloved children: Thomas K. Ahern (Marilyn) of Liverpool, NY, and Mary Ellen Meade (Bob) of Reno, NV; grandchildren: Shannon (Jeff), Heather, Shawn (Michelle), Bobby, Michelle and Colleen; and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother James F. Ahern.

Thomas C. Ahern was born on February 16th, 1920 in Oswego, NY. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1942 serving aboard the USS Long Island (CVE-1) during WWII. He continued his service to his country until his retirement in November 1966. Tom served with pride and satisfaction for over 23 years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer.

He began his civilian employment with the Dept. of Agriculture in April 1967. He traveled to various State Capitols throughout the Western Region conducting audits. He retired from the Dept. of Agriculture in February 1984.

Tom deeply believed in church and community involvement. He was an Usher, Lector and Eucharistic Minister in his parish of Holy Spirit Church in Fremont, CA. He was proud to have established the Holy Spirit Blood Bank in 1965. He was active with the Knights of Columbus, Council 2692, rising in the ranks to become a Grand Knight. He was active with The National Association of Retired Federal Employees, serving in various capacities over the years. He was a member of Seniors in Retirement (SIRS). He volunteered with the Centerville Presbyterian Church, helping to feed the homeless. He volunteered with the Fremont Police Dept. assisting with the Handicap Area Parking Patrol (HAPP) for over 10 years and was honored to be named Volunteer of the Year in 2001. His compassion for his fellow man was only surpassed by his unwavering devotion to his family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5-8pm with Vigil Service at 6:30pm on Monday, January 25th at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA. Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Tuesday, January 26th at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tom's name. A private family inurnment at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA will take place at a later date.

https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?cID=14262&pID=24671

Services

25 Jan

Visitation

05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Fremont Chapel of the Roses 1940 Peralta Boulevard Fremont, CA 94536 Get Directions »
25 Jan

Vigil Service

06:30 PM

Fremont Chapel of the Roses 1940 Peralta Boulevard Fremont, CA 94536 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 10/01/2021

    1 file added to the album Memories Album

  • 10/01/2021

    Tom, Marilyn, and family (Mary Ellen too), I have just read some of the tributes and am touched. This was a good man. I never met him and now, can see such similarities in looks with you, Tom. How fortunate you were to be born into this family that so many loved. He sounds like quite a guy and again, how wonderful that he touched so many in his long life. We should all be so lucky! His life, accomplishments, and relationships have given you wonderful memories to treasure. Sue Conklin

  • 10/01/2021

    THERE IS NOT WORDS TO EXPRESS WHAT THE AHERN'S HAVE MEANT TO US! WINELL AND I WERE JUST ACROSS THE STREET AND NEXT DOOR TO DARLENE. BUT OUR NEIGHBORS WERE TRULY OUR FRIENDS.....UP AND DOWN THE BLOCK AND AROUND THE CORNERS. WINELL AND EDNA HAD COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BLINDS AND SHADES IN THE WINDOWS. THOSE TWO COULD REALLY TALK WITH THOSE SHADES. TOM AND I JUST MET OUT IN THE FRONT YARDS OR OUT IN THE BACK AND JUST VISIT. WE WERE BOTH IN THE NAVY AND ALWAYS HAD SOME STORIES TO TELL ONE ANOTHER. I WAS AN INDUSTRIAL ARTS TEACHER IN THE FREMONT SYSTEM, WOODWORKING AND DRAFTING WELDING INSTRUCTOR AT NIGHT AND ALSO HAD A COUPLE OF CLASSES AT OHLONE COLLEGE. SO NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE TEAMED UP ON SOME WORK IN THE AHERN'S GARAGE, SUN ROOM .....ETC. DEAR FRIENDS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. TOM AND EDNA, EDNA AND TOM.....THAT'S THE WAY IT'S ALWAYS BEEN LOVE FOR ANY AND EVERYONE, AND ALWAYS HAD A GRIN ! WE SHARED FEELINGS OF LOVE FROM THE WHOLE FAMILY, TICKETS TO SHOWS AND....ALSO PLACES TO GO OUT AND EAT....THAT'S HOW IT GOES. WE'VE MOVED OFF TO NEW MEXICO AND HAVE MANAGED TO STAY IN TOUCH UPDATES FROM TOM AND EDNA AND ALSO MARY ELLEN'S E-MAILS SAYS MUCH ! A PRINCE OF A MAN, MARRIED TO A LADY THAT'S HARD TO COMPARE WITH ANYONE WE KNOW......AND WE'D LOVE TO BE THERE! EDNA, THERE WILL BE A VOID, BUT REST ASSURED....MANY LOVE YOU WILL BE PRAYNG FOR YOU AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY....THAT'S WHAT WE'RE COMMANDED TO DO ! WINELL & LONNIE SMITH

  • 10/01/2021

    I was certainly saddened to learn of Tom's passing but, at the same time, happy that he was able to live a long life giving him plenty of time to share his humor, wisdom, and goodness with so many people. I was one of those lucky ones. Although I had lost contact with Tom over the years, I worked with him back in the 70's and early 80's at USDA. He was unfailingly helpful to everyone but particularly to newer staff who were just finding their way in a new job. He helped me immensely in that regard and made me feel welcome from the day I started. If things weren't going particularly well, Tom was the one you could have a chat with and always come away smiling and feeling better. And if you needed any little thing done around the office -- from advice on how to deal with a thorny interpersonal issue with a co-worker (or even a boss!) to fixing a paper jam in the copier -- Tom was always the go-to guy. Tom's people skills were beyond compare because he truly cared about everyone. As my Dad always said about someone he really liked and admired, "He's a prince of a fellow." Tom was definitely that. He will be missed. Mike Denton

  • 10/01/2021

    Sincerely Meant condolences to Edna and Family. Tom was such a special person. He had a long very active and productive life. I am very proud to have been his neighbor and friend. Tom had such a good sense of humor and I loved that twinkle in his eyes telling a joke, kidding or laughing. Tom and Edna were such s wonderful couple - enjoyable to be around. What good memories. Our whole family was blessed being able to have them as neighbors. They helped me in so many ways. I am so appreciative. I don't know how I would have been able to get through those years that I lived across the street without them taking me under their wings, so to speak. My daughters and I came by to visit them throughout the years even though we had moved. They were always mutually so happy to see us. You - Edna, Sis, Tommy and Family are in my prayers. Love and Hugs from Darleen (Link) Myers God Bless You All

  • 10/01/2021

    Tom will always have a very special place in my heart . He was a mentor , a role model , a colleague and above all a dear and close friend for many years --just as his son Tom has been as well . Tom senior helped me get my first " real " job . I rode to and from work with him ,and went to lunch with him regularly and I had the privilege and pleasure of getting to know him not just as my good friend Tom's father but as a true friend of my own . During my time with him , which i will always cherish , we shared many laughs because he had a wonderful sense of humor . His ready smile and a steady hand and wisdom were a constant source of comfort to me . Tom was a " joiner ". To him , it was important to give of yourself in every way possible. He was always volunterring to help others , to help his community , his church and of course his beloved family . He inspired me to try and do the same . Tom Ahern was a rare and very dear man . He lived a long life and was able to give a great deal of love and joy to others and i am immensely grateful that i was one of the many recipients of his love --and his time and advice . Tom will live forever in my heart . Thane Tienson

  • 10/01/2021

    Hello family of Tom Ahern. My thoughts and sympathies to you. I was fortunate to work with Tom many years ago at the Food & Nutrition Service on Kearny Street. He was a kind person and provided sound guidance. Blessings. Melinda Laolagi

  • 10/01/2021

    Awwwww.... Edna and family, I am so sorry for your loss... I have very fond memories of Tom and Edna, Tommy and Sis... growing up right across the street from them many many years ago. We have stopped in to visit from time to time over the years and they both seem to have been timeless. I have tons of memories of Tom's jokes and that little dog that they loved so much...Snoopy?? I think... Just remember eating popsicles at their metal dining table that they had forever, watching that dog run around their immaculate back yard!!! And their corner house sidewalk was 2nd base for all whiffle ball games!!! Tom and the family are a big part of my childhood memories... Thank you all............. Blessings Debbie (Link) Russo and family

  • 10/01/2021

    Dear Tom, Mary Ellen and Families, Your father certainly was a dedicated, caring person. We were fortunate to meet him on a few of his visits back East. A Catholic gentleman serving his church, country and raising a fine family. May He Rest in Peace May God bless you and give you comfort. Love, Marge & Chuck

  • 10/01/2021

    Mary Ellen and family, so sorry to hear about Tom. He was my next door neighbor for almost 20 years. Couldn't have asked for a better neighbor or a better man. He will be missed and my condolences to you and your family.

  • 10/01/2021

    So very sorry for your loss Michelle! May the good Lord wrap his loving arms around all of you at this time and bring you peace and comfort.

  • 10/01/2021

    I was lucky enough to have known this caring man for well over 50 years and considered him my 2nd dad and the nicest part of that was that he told me that he was proud to be my 2nd dad...I will miss him as much as my own dad! Love to you all, Beverly

  • 10/01/2021

    I am so glad that I was able to reconnect with your parents. We were so lucky that God blessed us with the best ones.. They taught us everything except how to live without them... I am praying that God will hold you in his arms and give you peace. My love to Tommy, your Mom and you Ahern, I love you... Parker 🙁

  • 10/01/2021

    Mary Ellen, I appreciated getting to know your dad, and your mom, and enjoyed the conversations about upstate NY and his time in the Navy. While I first met him through the Knights of Columbus about 12 years ago, it was my wife who actually met him first. She was walking the kids to or from Glenmoor Elementary one school day and while walking past Tom's house he was up on a ladder doing some work. Well... he took a spill off the ladder and my wife helped him back up to his feet. He was fine. I learned this at one of the Knight's family night dinners when Tom saw my wife. I am sorry to say that I will miss the funeral as I will be traveling overseas this Sunday. Peace, Dan Tracy and Family.

  • 10/01/2021

    I knew Tom when he worked for the Food and Nutrition Service. He was not only the best supervisor, he was the best person I knew. He never raised his voice or was unkind to anyone. He was a wonderful person. Sandra Lucas-Gosey

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