It is with full hearts that we announce the passing of Thomas Sean O’Keefe of Boston’s Back Bay, beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend. Tom passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, at the age of 67 with his devoted wife, Patty Sullivan O'Keefe, by his side, following a courageous 15-year journey with complications from Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).

Tom, known to many as “Tommy O,” was born on December 30, 1957, grew up in Westport, CT and graduated from Fairfield Prep. After earning his Bachelor’s degree from Boston College and his Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School, he made Boston his home. Tom became a highly accomplished attorney at John Hancock Insurance Company and later served as General Counsel for the John Hancock Timber Resource Group - credentials he wore lightly because he never needed a title to command a room.

He cared deeply about his neighborhood and played a meaningful role in community projects, including the development of Frieda Garcia Park. If you were lucky enough to sit near Tom at dinner, a game, or his rooftop deck, you left knowing he was quick-witted, wonderfully mischievous, and incapable of letting a heavy moment last long. He delivered one-liners with such perfect timing that friends affectionately accepted his self-appointed title: “Imperial Comic Wizard.” And in one of his most loving side projects,

Tom collected Patty’s heartfelt expressions and miscues, which he lovingly named ‘Pattyisms’. Tom delighted in each new gem, proudly sharing them, and (as it turns out) carefully recording them for the joy of future generations.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Tom was especially devoted to Boston College football and basketball, holding season tickets for nearly 50 years and attending games faithfully throughout his illness. He also shared Red Sox season tickets for many years and cherished the memory of taking an at-bat during a charity event at Fenway Park. Tom loved hosting his annual July 4th gatherings on the rooftop deck of their Back Bay home, reigning over the grill with joy.

Tom’s greatest love story was his life with Patty, his wife of 27 years, his constant companion and, in every sense that mattered, his rock. In later years, they spent much of their time on Cape Cod, where the sea breezes brought Tom peace and happiness. Their bond was deep, enduring, and unmistakable.

Tom is also survived by his brothers; Robert M. O’Keefe of Ipswich, MA; Kevin P. O’Keefe of Quincy, MA; his sister, Lori E. (John) Huber of Bridgeport, CT; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews—many of whom would agree Tom held an official, lifelong appointment as “Favorite Uncle.” He was predeceased by his parents, Robert A. and Maura A. O’Keefe.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ignatius of Loyola, 28 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts on Saturday, January 17, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to https://because.massgeneral.org/TomOKeefe. The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) at https://www.theaftd.org.