Thomas Patrick Arnott

Thomas Patrick Arnott of Rockland, formerly a longtime resident of Quincy, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was eighty-six.

He was born in Boston to Mary (Doherty) and Thomas E. Arnott and raised in Dorchester. After graduating from Boston English High School, he enlisted in the National Guard, becoming a certified medic at the age of eighteen. Tom served his country for more than 40 years, receiving a one-grade promotion to Colonel from his final active-duty rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In his civilian life, he became a husband, father, and grandfather who supported his family as an insurance claims manager. He worked for Combined Insurance Company of America for more than twenty-six years before joining American Mutual Insurance. Tom left the corporate side of the industry briefly to establish his own small business, investigating insurance claims under the name Dunbarton Associates. Eventually, he returned to claims management at Blue Cross/Blue Shield before retiring in 1999.

Tom met and began dating Loretta (Pero) when the two were in high school. Although they attended different schools, both hailed from the tight-knit community of Dorchester, Massachusetts. Older family members would later recount that the couples’ origin story did not begin in high school; rather the two actually met often in early childhood while cruising around in their strollers under the watchful eyes of their respective mothers. Tom and Loretta married in 1962 and settled in Quincy, where they raised five children together.

In his free time, Tom was a voracious reader with a keen interest in history and a fondness for mystery novels. On many days, he would walk for miles or lift weights, sometimes both, to stay active, continuing with his weights even after becoming ill. Tom was also a Disney fan, saving for a vacation club membership that allowed he and Loretta yearly trips to the parks. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his children and grandchildren. It was with them that Tom was most fully himself. Known lovingly by his grandchildren as Grampa Tom or Papa Tom, his quiet, stoic nature always softened in their presence and together they created countless cherished memories. His unwavering support was a constant, as evidenced by his attendance at every milestone and achievement in the life of each grandchild. Tom was, above all else, devoted to his family. They were his heart and his life.

Survived by his large family, Tom was the beloved husband of 63 years to Loretta (Pero) Arnott of Rockland. Devoted father to Thomas E. “Ted” Arnott of Quincy, Colleen A. Less and her husband Daniel of Easton, Margaret “Meg” Ward and her husband Christopher of Hingham, and Kenneth A. Arnott and his wife Stephanie of Ocala, FL. Loving brother to Judith E. Arnott of Marlborough. Adoring grandfather to T.J. Arnott and Jem Arnott; Benjamin Less and his partner Gilesa Thomas, Caroline Less and her spouse Liam Stokinger, Jacob Less and Abigail Less; Madelyn Ward and Catherine Ward; Jack Lally and Keira Lally; and Kaelan Arnott. Loving caretaker of his favorite cat, Daisy.

Tom is predeceased by his daughter, Catherine “Katie” Arnott Lally of Quincy and his brother, John L. Arnott of Crofton Maryland.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects to Tom from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 20th at Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., Quincy, Massachusetts. On Tuesday, October 21st, A Celebration of Life Service will take place at Keohane’s beginning at 9:45 a.m. after which a Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. in St. Ann’s Church, 757 Hancock Street, Quincy, Massachusetts. Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Tom to Divine Mercy Parish, 386 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02171 or to NVNA Hospice, 120 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA, 02061.