Thomas J. O'Neill 1850-1919 Merchant Catholic Layman, Philanthropist Thomas J. O'Neill, a "big, red-headed Irish immigrant," was a self made Baltimore merchant and philanthropist. Throughout his life, he lent his considerable support to a variety of charitable and civic causes. A devout Catholic, he was especially devoted to helping the poor and under privileged upon his sudden death from a heart ailment on April 6, 1919, he bequeathed funds from his multi-million dollar estate to build a Catholic hospital in Baltimore. In 1968, at long last, his last wish was fulfilled. Good Samaritan Hospital - which, at his own request, did not bear his name - was opened to provide compassionate expert care for it's neighbors.