Thomas W. Abernethy

Thomas (Tim) Wilson Abernethy III, 71, of Boardman, OH, joined his parents, Tom and Grace Abernethy,
in Heaven on December 24, 2025. Running into the arms of his parents on Christmas Eve, Tim was no
doubt also welcomed by his infant sister, Katherine Marie, as well as a multitude of joyous family and
friends. Tim was born May 31, 1954, in Cincinnati, OH.

Tim was a childhood medical miracle who went on to be the driving force behind social change in the
Jefferson County, OH, area, especially during the 1960s and 1970s. His influence inspired a school and
workshop to be built, voters to be informed, the first overnight camp for children with disabilities to be
established, and many to pursue professional careers in helping others. He gave family and friends a set of
values that cannot be taught in a school or church but can only be acquired by knowing a person like him.
His presence taught lessons about the true meaning of acceptance and the beauty of differences. In some
magical way, everyone who has met Tim has grown from the experience. Life takes on a different
meaning when you have spent your childhood trying to preserve it.

In Tim’s world, there was no hatred, anger, or prejudice. Every day was a new adventure met with
childlike enthusiasm. In spite of his 71 years, he maintained a fascination for cars, fire trucks, and his red
wagon. Tim was known for never forgetting a birth date, a pet’s name, or a song title.
To quote a piece written by Tim’s father, “I’m not saying that no home should be without a Tim. Certainly
not. But, it would be to your advantage to know one.”

Tim loved his family more than anything. Left to cherish his memory are his siblings: Susan (Tom) Davis
of Locust, NC; Michael (Darlene) Abernethy of Roscoe, IL; Jennifer (Peter) Taylor of Xenia, OH; and
Barbara (Michael) Cummings of Canfield, OH. Tim was also known only as “Uncle” to his ten nieces and
nephews: Tim, Katie, Christine, Jonathan, Benjamin (Aubrie), Emily, Jacob (Aspacia), Grace, Audra, and
Trevor (Cha); and five great-nieces and great-nephews: Archer, Maria Grace, Lily, Madison, and TJ. He is
also survived by adored aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Briarfield Place, including nursing, aides, dietary,
activities, housekeeping, therapy, the care plan team, receptionists, and administrative staff for all the
love, dignity, and support shown to Tim since his arrival in 2023. The family would also like to thank the
staff at Tim’s workshop, MASCO, Inc., for their love, advocacy, and striving to provide a daily purpose in
a quality environment.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 9, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel in
Steubenville. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, January 10, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic
Church in Canfield. A private burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tim’s workshop, MASCO, Inc. (160 Marlwood
Circle, Boardman, OH 44512).