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Thomas P. O'Neill III
Thomas P O'Neill III.jpg
65th Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts
In office
January 2, 1975 – January 6, 1983
Governor Michael Dukakis
Edward J. King
Preceded by Donald Dwight
Succeeded by John Kerry
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
from the 3rd Middlesex district
In office
1973–1974
Personal details
Born
Thomas Phillip O'Neill III

(1944-09-20) September 20, 1944 (age 80)
Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Parents
Education Boston College (BA)
Harvard University (MPA)
Profession politician, businessman

Thomas Phillip O'Neill III (born September 20, 1944) is an American politician and businessman. He served as the 65th lieutenant governor of Massachusetts.

Early Life and Education

Thomas P. O'Neill III was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His mother was Mildred Anne Miller, and his father was Thomas Phillip "Tip" O'Neill Jr.. His father was a very important politician who led the United States House of Representatives from 1977 to 1987.

Thomas O'Neill III went to Boston College and earned his bachelor's degree there. Later, he continued his studies at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He received a master's degree in public administration from Harvard.

Political Career and Public Service

Before becoming lieutenant governor, O'Neill served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He was a member of this state legislature from 1973 to 1974.

From 1975 to 1983, O'Neill held the position of Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. During his time in office, he created and managed a special office. This office helped connect the state of Massachusetts with the federal government in Boston and Washington, D.C.. He also worked on a committee that helped choose U.S. ambassadors.

O'Neill is also known for his support of the Big Dig project. This was a huge construction project in Boston that his father also strongly supported.

In 1982, O'Neill decided not to run for lieutenant governor again. Instead, he wanted to run for Governor of Massachusetts. However, due to some changes in the state Democratic Party's rules, he was not able to get on the ballot for the election.

Current Activities and Business

Thomas O'Neill III is still involved in important organizations. He is on the Board of Trustees for Boston College, where he once studied. He also leads the Board of Trustees for Cristo Rey Boston High School.

He is also part of the board of Catholic Democrats. This is a national group that discusses faith and politics.

O'Neill has a company in Boston called O'Neill and Associates. This company helps with public relations and government affairs. In June 2020, his company joined with another communications firm called Seven Letter. O'Neill continues to manage the part of the company that works with government lobbying.

External Links

  • O'Neill and Associates
Party political offices
Preceded by
Michael Dukakis
Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts
1974, 1978
Succeeded by
John Kerry
Political offices
Preceded by
Donald R. Dwight
Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts
1975–1983
Succeeded by
John Kerry
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