Thomas John Neville

Thomas John Neville, 79, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, loving husband and brother, devoted father and grandfather passed away on October 26, 2023. He was born on October 22, 1944 in Brighton, Massachusetts to John D. and Helen C. (Halloran) Neville. Tom was raised in Waltham, MA with his four older sisters. He was a graduate of Waltham High School and went to Boston State College where he earned a BA in English. 

Tom started his career as a sports reporter with the Waltham News Tribune. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1969 and stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington before being sent to Vietnam.  He proudly served his country until being honorably discharged in 1971.  Tom then returned and continued to work for the paper for over twenty years, retiring as the Managing Editor. The next chapter of his career was in Public Relations, where he helped numerous businesses and organizations navigate PR challenges.  He loved history so after his professional career, he worked part-time driving for Old Town Trolley in Boston where he entertainingly informed passengers during the 16 stop historic tour. 

He was Past Commander of the American Legion Post 156 in Waltham, MA.

Having spent his childhood summers at Sea Gull Beach in Yarmouth, Ma. Tom had a strong love for the ocean. Tom and his wife Rose fell in love with York Beach Maine and spent 25 wonderful summers at their beach bungalow. Tom also enjoyed all the Boston sports teams, especially when they won!

He was predeceased by his sisters Margaret Landry of Queens NY, Constance Vautour of Waterboro, ME and Mary J. “Jane” Neville of Marlborough, MA.

He is survived by his loving wife Rosemary J. Neville (Vinson) and his 3 children; Stephen T. Neville of Newton, MA, John D. Neville of Waltham, MA , and Laura A. Neville and Justin A. DiPietro of Natick, MA.  He was loving Papa to his 3 grandchildren:  Rook Olive DiPietro, Pepper Charlie DiPietro, and Isabeau Michelle Ronk-Neville. He is also survived by his sister: Geri Gracey and her husband Jack of Marlborough, MA. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Memorial contributions may be made to:

American Cancer Society
30 Speen St., Framingham MA 01701 or

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/

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