Thomas James Mocanu

Thomas James “Tom” Mocanu, of Weymouth, died peacefully, following a period of declining health, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. He was 56.

Tom was born in Miami, Florida, on June 9, 1968, and was the son of the late Klaus Mocanu, and Ursula (Boening) Mocanu, stepson of Linda Looker of Florida. Tom was raised in South Weymouth, attended local schools and graduated from Weymouth South High School with the Class of 1986. His friends called him “Smoothie”. If you know, you know.

Tom was truly one of a kind. He was a gentle soul who loved deeply and fiercely. He could make you feel like you were the only one in the room. He listened intently and remembered what he learned to make you feel even more special the next time you met. His kindness, strength of character, and sense of humor left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

Tom was the real-life Rocky Balboa—strong, determined, and full of heart. He was a loyal friend and partner. He had a nickname for everyone and a one-liner ready for any situation. Tom could light up a room with his handsome face and bright, genuine smile.

Tom loved to create. He planted flowers and grew tomatoes. He loved National Geographic, survival shows, all things Mafia and had a sweet tooth for Nerds and Jolly Ranchers. He adored his loyal dog, Rocky.

He was a master of many trades; a brilliant carpenter and talented painter. Tom could fix anything. In fact, it was while painting his future mother-in-law’s home that he met the love of his life, Keri. Their first date on April 18, 1992, marked the beginning of their adventure. They married on September 30, 2000, at Immaculate Conception Church in Weymouth, and were inseparable ever since. Keri and Tom complemented each other perfectly. He was her biggest fan and cheerleader.

A savant when it came to sports, all sports, Tom could tell you the score of a game from 20 years ago and rattle off plays and players from college to professional ball, past and present. He passes that talent on to his son. Tom was especially proud of his baseball team that made it to the state championship.

Tom was always a patient teacher. He spent hours in the yard with his kids throwing footballs, playing goalie and hitting pop flies no matter how tired he was after work. He taught both his daughters how to play ball and both made the Varsity Softball team their freshman year in high school.

When the housing market crashed, Tom stayed home with his kids. He baked cookies, packed lunches, put funny notes in his kids’ lunch boxes, and made every teaching moment seem fun. He was a mentor to many, including his two younger brothers who he helped to raise with his single dad. He was always ready with encouragement, advice and his own twist on life that was always positive. He made people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Tom loved deeply and was loved even more. His legacy lives on in his kids, his words of wisdom and all the people whose lives he touched that will share his stories and quote his words. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body. He will never be forgotten.

He was our fighter. Our artist. Our mentor. Our voice of reason. Our rock. He fought so hard to get back to his family.

Tom was the beloved husband of Keri A. (Saliba) Mocanu of Weymouth. He was the devoted father of Thomas J. Mocanu Jr., Amanda M. Mocanu, and Kelsey L. Mocanu, all of Weymouth. He was the devoted dad to his son by choice, Adam M. Bedrosian of Weymouth. Tom was the dear brother of Norman Mocanu of Florida, Brandy Mocanu and his wife Amanda of Florida, and Cary Mocanu and his wife Jinah of Texas. He was the cherished uncle of Gavin and Mia Mocanu, both of Texas. Tom is also survived by his loyal buddy, Rocky.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 4-8 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte. 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital).

His funeral service will be celebrated on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11 AM in McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main St. (Rte. 18 opp. South Shore Hospital), Weymouth. Cremation will follow. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Tom’s name to the charitable organization of one’s choice.