Thomas Mccauley

Thomas McCauley, age 81, of Saint Peters, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2021 in Saint Peters, Missouri. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on February 7, 1939 to John and Catherine McCauley (nee Gorski).

Thomas, or Tom, as many knew him, lived a full life and was certainly blessed with the gift of gab. A natural storyteller, he would happily tell you any of the tall tales of his youth. His childhood was highlighted by getting into mischief with his brothers, from jumping off the Kosciuszko Bridge to finding an inert grenade in an abandoned warehouse. On one memorable occasion, his brother Jack "set sail" across the Newtown Creek in an old ice chest they found – only to realize after Jack had embarked on this maiden voyage that this icebox happened to be missing its drain plug.

For whatever reason, the mischief followed Tom into his adult life, and he was always looking for the next prank to play on his brothers. He became a fake "champion senior boxer," hopped freight trains to travel to family events, and was not above planting a phony lottery scratcher when given the chance.

Tom will be remembered for many things, but especially for being quite the character. The fun-loving, often chatty, side of him shaped his interactions with others, with those who knew him closely remembering him fondly for the following characteristics and values:
• Tom never met a stranger. He always had a story to tell and an opinion to offer.
• He was always considerate and welcoming to newcomers. Before you could close the front door behind you, he was already offering you anything in the house.
• Time is precious. This is probably why Tom spoke at such a rapid pace! With his spare time, he would volunteer daily at the local soup kitchen or spend time with underserved kids that just needed someone to believe in them for the first time, which earned him the title of the middle school "Volunteer of the Year."
• Generosity does not always need to be grand. Tom believed that if you are able, donate to a cause you believe in, donate your time to those that could use a little more help, or donate your thoughts by offering a prayer to those who may need a little extra faith.
• Tom had a strong sense of family pride. To him, knowing where you came from was just as important as knowing where you are going.
• Strength was a large part of who Tom was: strong of will, strong of mind, and strong of conviction.

Tom was fortunate to live with his daughter, Maryanne, and grandson, Keegan. His greatest joy was seeing all of Keegan's accomplishments, and his grandson was the pride of his life. He would frequently say, "You could say I wasn't a good husband, you could say I wasn't a good father, but you can never say I was a bad grandfather." With Maryanne raising Keegan as a single mother, Tom (or "Goo-Man" as baby Keegan named him), played an essential role in Keegan's upbringing, Keegan's choices, and Keegan's life. Keegan will always be his "buddy," and Tom will forever be his "Goo-Man."

Thomas is survived by his children, Maryanne Helen McCauley, and John Joseph McCauley; his grandsons, Joseph Alan (Michelle) McCauley, and Keegan Shea (Katharine) McCauley; his great-grandson, Cooper McCauley; a sister-In-Law, Frances McCauley; and his siblings, John McCauley, and Marianne (Ralph) Patterson. He will be dearly missed by many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maryanne Helen McCauley; his parents, John Joseph and Catherine Mary McCauley; two Brothers, Gerald McCauley, and Dennis (Mary Ella) McCauley; and a sister-In-Law, Rose McCauley.

Memorial contributions in Thomas's name may be made out to St Jude Children's Research Hospital

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