WORCESTER___Thomas F. “Spike” Ahern, 83, died on Saturday July 31 at the Millbury Health Care Center, Millbury. His wife, Adele A. (Chestnut) Ahern died in 1985.
Thomas is survived by his two daughters, Maureen R. Miller and her husband Ronald of Auburn; and Kathleen E. Boyce and her husband Edward of Worcester; a brother, Edward Ahern of Worcester; a sister, Alice Ahern of Holden; three grandchildren, Melissa Miller–Fleming of Charlton; Angela McPherson of Worcester and Regan Miller of Cambridge; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Thomas was predeceased by four brothers, Cornelius, Patrick, John and James and three sisters, Mary Boyda, Ann Roy and Margaret Ahern. Thomas was born in Worcester, son of Cornelius and Mary (Fennessey) Ahern and lived here until moving to Millbury in 2001. A graduate of Worcester Boys Trade High School, Thomas enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1941 and served in the Pacific during World War II. He was discharged in 1947 with the rank of Sergeant.
Thomas worked 27 years at Johnson Steel & Wire Co., retiring in 1985. Prior to that he worked 10 years at Wyman-Gordon Co. He was very active in union affairs. He was past treasurer of the United Steel Workers Union, Local 3189; past vice president of the Bartender’s Union, Local 95; past senior vice president of the Worcester Labor Council; and a past treasurer of the AFL-CIO’s Committee on Political Education.
Thomas was a member of Ascension Church and Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435.
Thomas’ funeral will be held on Tuesday August 3 from HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Ascension Church, 40 Vernon St. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home will be on Monday August 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to Ascension Church Memorial Fund, 48 Vernon St., Worcester, 01610.