Thomas J. (TJ) Thomas, 41, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at home in Dorchester, MA. He was the son of Lynda J. Thomas of Falmouth, MA and Thomas G. Thomas of Port Orange, FL.
TJ was born in Natick, MA and grew up in Southborough, MA. He was educated in Southborough schools and graduated from The Hyde School in Woodstock, CT and Worcester State University in Worcester, MA. He was employed for several years at Phillips Medical, Framingham, MA; Explorica, Boston, MA; and K&A Productions, Cambridge, MA. Most recently, he worked in the construction field and had just completed HVAC and R Certification through the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology in Boston, MA.
TJ had a deep love of family, friends, sports, and adventure. He had many enjoyable times in Florida with his paternal grandparents and he spent many memorable summers and holidays with his extended family in Southern Ohio. From his grandparents in Ohio, he acquired a passion for football, and especially The Ohio State Buckeyes. His winning smile and charm were never more evident than when spending time with his beloved Nana and Poppy, especially when accompanying them to cheer on the Buckeyes. TJ was a caregiver at heart and shined brightest when giving gifts and caring for those he loved.
TJ also enjoyed hockey and played from the age of six with his dad coaching him for many years. He had planned to teach his new nephew, Will, the finer points of the game. One of his most memorable moments was playing against the “Old Bruins” in a charity hockey game where he scored the first goal!
His enthusiasm for sports extended to skiing (first tackling the slopes of Killington at age four), snowboarding, skydiving, and scuba diving. As a teenager, he worked to get his PADI dive certification and traveled with his mother on trips to Mexico, Virgin Islands, Florida and the Caymans to search out new dive spots and a great tan.
Throughout his life, TJ carried the burden of a chronic disease (Neurofibromatosis). Although challenged by multiple surgeries and treatments, he approached each setback with strength and the determination to meet the next challenge with success. Later in life that challenge was working on his sobriety. He was supported by family, several friends and organizations and was currently living a sober life.
In addition to his parents, TJ is survived by his sister, Whitney Thomas of Bolton, MA, her wife, Jaime Mills, and their son, William. He also leaves several dear aunts and uncles, cousins and cherished friends.
There will be a Celebration of Life for TJ on Wednesday, October 25th at 11:00 am at Pilgrim Church, 15 Common Street, Southborough, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks expressions of sympathy in his memory be made to The Children’s Tumor Foundation (ctf.org), and Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center (BMC.org/addiction).
(Photo and Obituary via Morris-Johnston Funeral Home)
