Thomas L. Brophy Jr.

I was a 24 year old assistant pro in 1993 and everyone was telling me that I had to meet the Broph. When he stepped in the pro shop for the first time that year, he shook my hand and looked down at my shoes. He nodded in a disturbed way and said, "that aint working" I was unaware where he was going and then he told me that I had square feet with little toes. He then asked if they were size 8.5. He said, you need a 9.5 wide......my life has never been the same. Shoes should fit instantly and that was something I was unaware of until I met the Broph. He also would school me ping pong and I am no slouche in the game. I played a lot of golf with the man and many fond memories

I am sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I am a St. Paul's alum and remember Tom well. I also bot many pair of shoes at the store. My sympathies to the family & may God Bless. Sincerely, Courtney W. Renegar. Sr. Hamilton Twp. NJ.

When they talk about big man on campus, the name Tom Brophy certainly comes to mind. No one from the class of 63, lNiagara University, will ever forget the many laughs had with Broph. Love to the family Pat Casale Santulli i

Tom was a true friend. A pleasure t know him. We played a lot of golf together, a fond memory....My condolences to his family.

Broph loved life and was a true and long time friend. He will be missed but the good memories will last always. Marty Mcguinn

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

To my lifelong friend Jeri, Toms children and Jeris children, please accept our sincerest sympathy in the loss of your beloved husband, father, brother, grandpop and friend. To know Tom was to love him. He was there always with a listening ear to help or advise you or whatever you needed. He would always bring a smile to your face with his quick wit. He was bright and articulate. His heart was huge. It was an honor and a pleasure knowing him. Fly high Tom with the angels and saints. Rest In Peace Broph. Until we meet again. Ray and Mary Stout

Broph and I went to St Pauls together Id always bump into here and there and wed always remanence Over our days there especially the teachers who had a hard time keeping in line. God bless him he will enjoy that smile

To Brophy's family,
Our mother was a resident at St. Joseph's, which is where we met Brophy. He would wheel down the hall when he saw my husband just to talk, and he would go over to our mom just to cheer her up often. Those of us that had loved ones there know all too well how this disease takes it hold but their inner light and spirit shine through- we will miss Broph. Fondly Rich, Brian and Ruth Maziarz

Tom was one of the most life-affirming and entertaining people I ever met. The day I met Tom, he was floating a pair of his expensive shoes in Bob Clancy's sink while we drank scotch, laughed, and Bob bought the shoes. It's true: they never wore out. Decades later, Tom came to my officer to show me a pair of $600 shoes. It was 2009 and the world had just fallen apart. "Tom," I said, "I just had to make a quick sale of my company, the new owners are not honoring my contract, and I can't even get unemployment." Tom helped me get unemployment and I bought the shoes. And we worked on Tom's book together, which many reviewers said was very helpful to them. Books are not a good business, but hearing people say that Tom's ideas had helped them through a difficult period was touching. I cherish a lovely note that Tom sent me once when I was a depressed. In his last years, Tom always perked up when you visited him. Tom was an enthusiastic, out-going, helpful, curious, loving person. A friend is someone who is always glad to see you. Tom was always glad, and I miss him.

Here's to the coolest golfer, ping pong player, shoe salesman and friend, any of us have ever had. The captain of our championship flag football team at Niagara, and the only guy we know who gave up drinking Cold Turkey. He did it, and yet remained the life of any party. Rest Easy Now Broph.
We Love You,
Audrey and Terry

To all the family: So I feel like I've lost another parent. When my own father died years ago Tom placed his arm around me and said It will be OK, I know it hurts but you can talk with me anytime cause I am here for you. That is just like Tomalways comforting and making things brighter and better. I will never forget all our visits to New Jersey and spending time with him. He always said the greatest thing you can give another person is your time....totally undivided attention and that was what he was about...solid relationships. My life is more blessed because I have known such a good, kind and great man, my beautiful father-in-law. May the angels lead you into paradise and God bless xo

Upon hearing about Toms passing, my first thought was his big smile and his huge heart. I would like to extend my condolences to Geri, his children, grandchildren and his numerous friends. I met him as a newly minted college grad in 1991. Shortly after, I tragically, lost my 21 year old sister in an accident. Tom was an incredible friend who listened to me during this terrible time. Although, he was old enough to to be my father, he didnt seem it to me. My then co-worker, Joe and I were one of his friends at the unemployment office, and yes we were proud to be part of his people. It didnt matter that we were two young Puerto Ricans who on the surface had nothing in common with him. Tom made us HIS and was a father figure/friend. He was so much fun to talk to, he gave great advice and always talked about his kids. He idolized them and would update me whenever we talked throughout the years. I was able to meet Kelly and I spoke with her a few times. She was his baby and because she and I are the same age, he could relate to me as a young woman and all my troubles. I was so proud and honored to read his manuscript of his book Consipracy of Love. His other book Little Victories was also his plain spoken way of helping people struggling with getting back to work. He was an incredible writer and bared his soul to help others. He never let on to me what he had been through so I was shocked when I read it his story. There are not enough adjectives to describe how brave, intelligent and loyal he was. Toms Brophyisms, his much loved saddle shoes, and his admiration for the town of Princeton will not be forgotten by those who loved him, cared for him or were privileged enough to be in his company. Sadly, after hearing about his dementia, I didnt see him again. I wanted to keep my memory of him intact. I missed him then and always will.

A tribute to my dad from his family. We will see you again. Thank you to my two nieces and Goddaughters, Amanda and Heidi. xo

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R2nrw7QyXGMW2BuIcgblgNajyuQMiz5b/view

My deepest sympathy to Tom's family & friends. Another old time Princetonian leaves us with great memories.
Sincerely
Carmella Fowler Cruser
St. Paul & PHS Classmate

I am sorry to hear this sad news. Tom was such a nice man and I enjoyed waiting on him when he would come into the Carousel and Orlando's Cafe. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. My heartfelt condolences to all.

My condolences to Jeri, Kathy, Kelly, little' Broph, the family and all the wonderful grandchildren big Broph loved so much. Broph was larger than life-esp to a 20 something kid working at unemployment. He was from the generation where a handshake and a persons word meant everything. And if you broke that word-you were OUT. We labeled his sayings Brophyisms' He had shoes older than all of us, and loved reminding you of that. If you took too long it's getting dark' would come out. He was born at night but not last night. what part of what I said don't you understand' Good! Now you're gettin' it' steady!' She's a great broad' that was aces in Brophs book. You can't get there from here' I remember when I told him I was getting married he asked me if I could sit and watch paint dry with her. I said huh? What the heck does that mean-he said you'll figure it out boy. I have Broph-thanks. And I can.
Tom loved working with people-he would break down the convoluted laws of unemployment into a language anyone could understand-he called it TLC' he truly cared for those with whom he came in contact. He touched many lives and has been and will be greatly missed. Broph had three of us co-workers in unemployment he considered his'. He would tell people you do not mess with his family and he considered us part of that family. I was honored to be one of the three along with Milly & Sophia.-
Gods eternal rest be upon you my friend and when you guys feel sad-think back and smile. His memory lives on in all of us-Love ya Broph, rest in peace.

Tom was one of my farther's, Bart DiMeglio, dearest and closest friends. I loved listening to their stories about golf and other misadventures. I fondly remember visiting Tom at Brophy's Shoes on Palmer's Square with my dad. Tom was a gifted storyteller and his tales would always make me laugh. I considered him a second father and will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with Jeri and Tom's children, Kathy, Tom and Kelly and their families during this extremely difficult time.
All my love, Lisa