GRAFTON — Thomas Michael “Mike” O’Toole, 65, unexpectedly passed away Friday, Nov. 6, 2020.
Mike was born July 27, 1955, in New London, Connecticut, to the late Ethel Musselwhite O’Toole and Philip Thomas O’Toole.
Mike was known by many for his patient, quiet and kind character. He was a devoted family man and loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Mike and his wife enjoyed weekend getaways, festivals and exploring new places, activities and foods. In his free time, Mike enjoyed searching eBay for rare model airplanes and was an avid collector. Mike will be remembered for his gentle nature and his love and unwavering support for his family and those he loved.
Mike was a graduate of Norview High School, the Apprentice School and Old Dominion University. He was presently employed by Newport News Shipbuilding, where he had over 45 years of service. While at NNS he met the love of his life, Susan, while assigned to the USS Enterprise overhaul.
He spent many years working in waterfront engineering, where he was known to some as “Tooly.” He had a tremendous amount of knowledge in all aspects of shipbuilding. He took great pride in his shipbuilding career and still had his original hard hat. Mike was a man of great patience and was always willing to help his fellow shipbuilders. Anytime there was a problem that could not be easily resolved, people always consulted with Mike. He would always find a way to get the job done.
He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Katlyn Nicole O’Toole.
He is survived by his wife, Susan; sons, Charles, and his wife, Sarah, of Aylett and Eric Michael of Grafton; daughter, Allison of Grafton; grandchildren, Regan, Madison, Matthew, Ayden, Kaitlyn and Liam; sister, Cheryl Clifton, and her husband, Rannie, of Roanoke; brother, Kenneth O’Toole, and his wife, Deborah, of Middleburg, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Mike’s life at W.J. Smith and Son Funeral Home, 210 Harpersville Road, Newport News, where COVID-19 precautions are in place. Date of services will be determined.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), 601 Children’s Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507.
Share online condolences with the family at W.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.
