THOMAS M. LEDBETTER

LEDBETTER, Thomas M. Tom passed away, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving friends and family, after a ten year journey as an LVAD recipient, who went through, as Tom used to say, just "bumps in the road." Tom was an extremely kind, gentle and generous man who gave of himself any time a need arose, always looking to help. A positive faith-filled man who loved his family. Though he and Carol didn't have children of their own, he took great pleasure in his nephews, nieces, great-nieces and nephews, so proud of them all. Tom was a Master electrician, owning his own business for 25 years before retiring, due to declining health. A proud and devout Catholic, he was an active communicant and volunteer at St. John Chrysostom Parish until becoming ill. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, elected to serve in executive positions, culminating in serving as the Mass. State Council State Deputy. He also served as a liaison between the Knights of Columbus and the seminarians in the Greater Boston area. Tom was a friend of Bill Wilson for over 35 years, forging many friendships. Until physically unable, Tom loved to travel and explore new places. He and Carol traveled extensively throughout the US, many times on road trips as Tom loved to drive. Trips to Europe and cruises to the islands. Tom's health journey was always supported by his family, friends and neighbors. Predeceased by his parents, William and Mary Ledbetter; brother, William and his surviving wife, Carol; sister, Ellen and her surviving husband, Paul Whittaker; and nephew, William Whittaker. Survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Carol; brother, Paul Ledbetter of Hyde Park; sisters-in-law, Carol Ledbetter of Norwood, Joyce Cassidy (Jim) of Roslindale, Linda Moran (Jack) of West Roxbury, June Enos (Ed) of Needham; and Paul Whittaker, brother-in-law of New Jersey. Numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews and many close friends, a few of whom were his constant companions, helping him in his health journey for the last ten years: Tony, Ed, Doug, Edgar and Scotty, as well as Bernie and his dear friend and caregiver, Sylvie. Immense gratitude for the many years of extraordinary care and compassion Tom received on his Health journey at the Brigham and Women's Hospital/Shapiro with the LVAD team, the cardiovascular mechanical circulatory support service and doctors as well as all staff on Shapiro 7East which Tom referred to as his summer or winter Residence, depending on time of year he was admitted. He also received great care through the MGH HomeCare. Funeral from the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre Street, WEST ROXBURY, on Thursday, July 24, at 9:00 am; followed by A Mass of Christian Burial at St John Chrysostom, 4750 Washington Street, West Roxbury, at 10:00 am. Visiting Hours in the funeral home on Wednesday, July 23, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment in Mt. Benedict Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Mechanical Circulatory Support Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital, with "In Memory of Thomas Ledbetter" in the memo line, and sent to: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Development Office, 263 Huntington Ave., #318, Boston, MA 02115 or by visiting bwhgiving.org/memorial to make an online memorial gift. The fund number is 106579 or St. John Chrysostom Parish, 4750 Washington Street, West Roxbury MA. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home 617-323-5600