Thomas Joseph Kane

1951 - 2022

Thomas Joseph Kane, 71 passed away peacefully on December 5, 2022 having spent his last days with family and loved ones from near and far. Tom was born March 16, 1951. He was a 1970 graduate of PHS and a member of the Monarch Drum & Bugle Corps and later the Boston Crusaders, playing the Mellophone. He studied at the Art Institute of Boston. Tom moved to Los Angeles in the 80's becoming the chief of security for Merv Griffin Studios. One night he found himself backstage chatting about art with Orson Welles who told Tom he thought he'd go far in the business and advised him to never stop creating. Welles then drew a portrait of Tom on a napkin and autographed it.

Tom taught himself graphic arts in his free time learning and mastering PaintBox then a new graphics technology. Merv took notice and gave Tom a position in post production where he flourished and became top man in the department. He worked with everyone from Cher and Neil Diamond to Clint Eastwood and Michael Jackson.

He was nominated for an Emmy for his graphics work on a David Copperfield special. Tom retired early from Complete Post due to health issues and returned to the Berkshires to be near family who meant everything to him. He enjoyed socializing at Berkshire Hills Country Club and watching football, often with lifelong friend Corky Cullen by his side. Tom had a gift of telling a great story. If you ever had the pleasure of having a beer with him, you would have heard a story that no one else could tell. Tom's spirit carries on in memories.

He is survived by daughters, Amy Coyne, Laura Kane, son William Kane and six beloved grandchildren, Jackson, Nathaniel, Adam, Lillian, Mitchell and Seth. He is predeceased by the mother of his children Frances Mitchell Kane, his parents Ruth and Lester Kane and siblings Robert and Nancy Kane. Tom also leaves sisters, Millie Boucher, Patricia Catell, Maureen Maerz, Rosemary Aitken and brother David Kane. He is survived by longtime dear friend Teri Pierce with whom he traveled much of the world. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. A celebration of his life is planned for Spring 2023.