Published in the August 17, 2018 edition
MELROSE — Thomas M. Loftus, 77, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away into eternal life peacefully at home on Monday, August 13, 2018.
Tom was born in Somerville on October 30, 1940, one of seven children of the late Redmond and Catherine (Flaherty) Loftus. Raised in Dorchester and East Boston, Tom graduated from Don Bosco High School in East Boston. A proud Irish-American, Tom served his country in the US Army as a Private before his honorable discharge in 1961.
Tom was married to Christina Scarry, native of Ireland, on July 6, 1974 at St. Clement’s Church in Medford. They settled in Melrose in 1977 and Tom worked as a mover for Casey & Hayes Moving Co. in Boston. After the birth of their son Michael, Tom became a Pressman for John Pow Printing Co. in South Boston. Hard working, honest and dependable, Tom was a well respected and appreciated employee for over 30 years.
With a love for working with his hands, Tom was a “jack of all trades” and master of all. He never called anyone for repairs, and was his own self-taught craftsman, mechanic, and repairman. Fiercely independent, Tom spent his life working, even up until his final days, he was happiest when completing a well done task.
With roots in Ireland, Tom found strength in his Irish heritage and identified closely with all things Irish. He proudly flew the Irish flag, played Irish music constantly, and forever remembered trips back to Ireland to see family and work on the Scarry family farm in Galway. A self-taught bagpiper, Tom and a friend founded the Kevin Barry Band and played with the group for many years. A longtime member and supporter of the Irish American Club in Malden, Tom enjoyed piping for annual St. Patrick’s Day events, parades throughout the region, and funerals. His family in Ireland will cherish his hard working spirit and remember him with great affection.
Tom was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s Church for many years, and lived the faith every day. Tom prioritized his role as a father to Michael. He took his responsibility as a father seriously and proudly enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with Michael. Sundays were special for them as they spent the day together and enjoyed dinner out. They also had dinner together every Saturday night at the Irish American Club, and enjoyed going to the North Shore Irish American Dancers.
Tom was a self-reliant man who never stopped working, but now at rest may he enjoy the fruits of his labor.
Tom was the beloved husband of Christina M. (Scarry) Loftus with whom he shared 44 years of marriage. Devoted father of Michael T. Loftus of Melrose. Loving brother of Redmond Loftus of N.C., Brendan Loftus and his wife Mary of Middleboro, Mary Loftus of Dorchester, Anthony Loftus and his partner Uschi of Medford, and the late John and Kevin Loftus. Dear brother-in-law of Timothy Scarry and his wife Catherine of Ireland, Sr. Maura Scarry of San Antonio, Texas, and the late Evelyn Scarry. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Tom during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, August 17 from 4-7 p.m., and again on Saturday at 10 a.m. before leaving in procession to St. Mary’s Church, Herbert St., Melrose for his funeral Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors presented by the US Army at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Tom may be made to the Salesian Boys & Girls Club, 150 Byron St., Boston, MA 02128. For online tribute, or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
