Thomas E. Scanlon Jr. 96, passed away peacefully at his Warwick home on Friday, December 15th, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Thomas, a proud life-long Rhode Island resident, was born May 8, 1927, in Providence, RI. He was the son of the late Thomas E. Scanlon, Sr. and Mary (Varley) Scanlon.
Thomas was the beloved husband of the late Rose Maureen (Nichols) Scanlon, to whom he was married for 56 years before her passing in 2004. Together they raised their family of six, always instilling in them the importance of family, faith and kindness.
He is survived by his four daughters and two sons: Susan (James) Duff, Katherine (Ronald) Fielder, Mark (Barbara) Scanlon, Lisa (Richard) Garvey, Peter (Janet) Scanlon, Sheila (Anthony) Frank.
He was the adored “Grumpy” of 14 grandchildren: Erin Conley, Rebecca Duff Wolstencroft, Michael Duff, Kara Zioba, A.J. Fielder, Thomas Fielder, Matthew Scanlon, Rachel Scanlon, Kristen Scanlon, Colin Garvey, Devin Garvey, Mo Scanlon, Victoria Frank and Grace Frank.
He was also the proud great-grandfather of 10: Jacob Conley, Madison, Jackson and Jameson Scanlon, Chase & Quinn Wolstencroft, Kinley & Camdyn Fielder and Charlotte & Lukas Zioba. He will be remembered by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for his generosity and love. He was always there for them.
Thomas is survived by his two sisters: Patricia Papa, Marilyn Creta and sister-in-law, Roslyn Nichols all of Warwick, RI and a brother-in-law, Peter Garlock of Batavia, NY. He was predeceased by his sisters; Monica Kagan and Beatrice Alfano. He was the loving uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Thomas was a proud member of Gorton High School Class of 1945, serving as Senior Class President before entering the United States Navy. He was an original Plank Holder on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt serving as a radar operator during WWII.
Upon discharge, Tom returned home to Warwick, married his high school sweetheart Maureen, played semi-pro football for the Conimicut Indians and began to create a beautiful family. He started a career with the US Postal Service in Warwick, retiring in 1985 after 35 years. Thomas was blessed to find a second “career” and “family” when he joined the staff of Barrett and Cotter Funeral Home, where he worked until the age of 92 - some of the best years of his life.
Thomas was an active member of St. Catherine’s Parish in Apponaug for over 60 years, where he served on the Parish Council and Finance Committee.
The Family would like to express its most sincere and deep appreciation to VNA of Care New England, Hospice Care and Phenix Home Care for their support during the past few years. His family is especially grateful to Telly and Diane for their loving care which allowed Tom to remain in the home he loved.
His funeral will be held on Thursday December 21, 2023, at 10 a.m. from the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. in St. Kevin Church, 333 Sandy Lane, Warwick. Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thomas’s memory to Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conference-Coventry, 445 Washington Street, Coventry, RI 02816 (please note, “Grab and Go” in the memo line) or VNA of Care New England; Hospice Care, 51 Health Lane, Warwick, RI 02886.
