Thomas Eugene Kane

Thomas Eugene Kane of Pensacola, FL, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Born in Chicago, IL, on June 25, 1935, Tom left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know him. He was an exemplary husband and father, son, brother, and friend. He was proud of his strong Irish heritage and was a true Southern gentleman. He cherished the countless memories he had of a long life, beautifully lived.

Tom moved to Pensacola when he was in the sixth grade and attended Little Flower Catholic School and then Pensacola Catholic High School, where he was an honor student, talented athlete, school leader, and graduate of the class of 1953. Perhaps his finest accomplishment while at Catholic High was meeting the one true love of his life, Diane. Tom was also a proud and always-faithful graduate of the University of Notre Dame, class of 1957. Tom was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps upon graduation and stationed in Beaufort, SC, with VFM235 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, working as a Ground Ordinance Officer. After serving in the Marines, Tom dedicated over 30 years to the State of Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and individuals with disabilities, helping them overcome work-related challenges and achieve economic independence. He was named Counselor of the Year by the National Rehabilitation Association, served multiple times as President of the Mental Health Association, and retired from VR as the District Director in 2000. Tom was also instrumental in establishing the marriage and family counseling program for Catholic Charities and spent over 30 years providing guidance to families in need.

Tom became the happiest man on the planet when he married Diane on February 20, 1960. They lived a life with doors always wide open, not only to family and friends but also to those in need. They loved entertaining and having a house filled with love and laughter, multi-generations, and children, the more the better. They nurtured and raised 8 children together, and all the siblings agree that the foundation of any success or happiness they have achieved in life can be attributed to the unconditional love and support received from their parents. Tom and Diane had 64 amazing years together on Earth before Diane died on All Saints Day in 2024, when Tom’s heart was left irreparably broken.

Tom had a remarkable intellect until he died. He loved learning about history, literature, poetry, architecture, and science. He treasured countless family trips to the beach, surf-fishing for pompano or catching mullet with the gill net. Tom also was a competitive, long-distance runner, having run more than a dozen marathons, accumulating enough miles to circle our planet several times. He continued to visit the beautiful Notre Dame campus throughout his lifetime, treasuring time saying prayers to Our Mother at the Grotto and singing the Notre Dame Victory March and Alma Matre. Tom lived a life of service to others, to his large, extended family, to his church, and to those less fortunate than he.

Tom is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane; parents, Catherine Clark and David Kane; sisters, Patricia and Kathleen; brother, John; son, Jack; son-in-law, Don; and grandson, Brendan.

Tom is survived by daughters, Maureen (George), Brenda, and Eileen (Brian); sons, Timothy (Julie), Michael, Brian (Neil) and Patrick (Shannan); daughter-in-law, Charlaine; 18 grandchildren, who fondly called him Ho Ho; and 4 great-grandchildren, for whom he initiated another family tradition, a farewell group hug and wolf howl. Tom also is survived by his brother, Edward, and a very large extended family.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 14, 2026, beginning at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Pensacola, FL, with Fr. Luke Farabaugh and Fr. Nicholas Schumm presiding. The family will greet visitors beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to devoted hospice nurse, Stephanie.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to St. Thomas More Catholic Church or Pensacola Catholic High School.

Go Irish! Semper Fi!