Thomas Francis Scanlon

Thomas Francis Scanlon 91, of Pawtucket, passed away on March 14, 2026 at Steere House in Providence, RI. A son of the late Margaret (Barry) Roberts and the late Thomas F. Scanlon. He was the widower of Carolyn Scanlon as well as the companion of the late Dolores "Babs" Sweeney. He was the beloved father of Tammy Scanlon-Spychalla (Scott) of Pawtucket, Kim (Bell) Baker of New Hampshire; brother of Gloria (Clark) Barrows of Pawtucket. He also leaves 8 cherished grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends; and a rich legacy of love!

He also enjoyed the company of her various pets over the years, namely: Spottie, Greta, Snowball, Laddie, Oreo as well as Oscar who welcomed him home at the Steere House when he arrived.

A remarkably hard-working and compassionate gentleman. Tom first enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 17 as an Airman 3rd class from September 1951-September 1955, where he finished his High School diploma. He later finished his degree at Johnson and Wales.

Following his time in the military, Tom excelled in many jobs. He was a bread man for Nissan Bakery, Pinkerton Security working at McCoy stadium for his beloved PawSox and Hasbro (Toy Store), Hasbro where he would later work 2nd shift as the Foreman on Delta Drive until retirement at 65, or so we thought. He went on to work part-time as a driver for Blackstone Valley RIArc and A-Stat Medical Billing until finally retiring at the age of 80.

When not working, Tom enjoyed LIFE. AVID baseball lover (playing, coaching, watching, and listening) whether it was his Red Sox, daughter, or grandkids. His love of sports lead him to his love of coaching, volunteering for local youth leagues (Coach and Treasurer for the Pawtucket Crusaders Football League, where his daughter Kim was cheerleader), In the early 1970's for Johnston Little League and went on to coach for Darlington American Little League from the mid-1970s until 1980 (coaching the kids on the 1980 Little League World Series team). He then from 1981-1988 he coached regular-season and all-star teams in the Darlington Girls Softball League afterwards (where his daughter Tammy played softball), then became an umpire. He also played and coached into his 80's for Nelson Mack VFW, RI Senior Softball League becoming Division Champs in 2004.

His love for sports and coaching combined with his love of giving back, in 1992, he brought the state together gathering up teams from all over the state to play in "The Wish Come True" softball tournament at Slater Park in Pawtucket. Which brought together local celebrities from tv, radio, and sports (our PawSox players of the past putting together a team for the tournament).

His faith in God and the Catholic church was found in him with everything he did. He was so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community and enjoyed doing his part in giving back. Dedicating years to yard sales, Knights of Columbus fundraisers and breakfasts, the list goes on). Combine that love with his love for his Irish Heritage, he would spend time on the Pawtucket St. Patrick's Parade committee, becoming their Face of Ireland in 1997.

He would also hold membership at various local clubs (VFW, Knights of Columbus, PACC, IDIP) as well as on boards/committees for his beloved City of Pawtucket (Fireworks, Parks and Recreation, and Ward Committee District 3). If you were ever a friend that was looking for help on a campaign, he was your man. Always there to help the campaign any way he can, door to door walks, to dropping off signs(and his yard was full of signs every August through November). He was a democrat, those that knew him, knew. He loved current events and would never miss reading the newspaper from front to back every evening.

His beloved Red Sox watching every game. As a young boy he would listen to the games on the radio and then spent 20 of his last 40 years in Fort Myers watching spring training with many of the old timers that he watched play growing up.

He was a true New England fan that loved all his team: Bruins, Celtics, and of course the beloved Patriots.

Throughout his years he had many loves, Geraldine, Pauline, Carol, Babs, and of course his Marilyn. Family was everything to him and he was the protector and keeper of us all.

Truly a man that lived every day to the fullest. Strong and resilient, a true gentleman that never showed any sign of weakness. The man that walked into the room and enjoyed each and every one of you. At the end of the day, he went to sleep loving life.

A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Teresa's Church, 358 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02861 on Friday, March 27 at 10:00am. Military Honors will be held in front of the church at 11:00am.

Donations in Tom's memory may be made to Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center or HopeHealth Hospice Center.