Thomas G. Speth

Thomas G. Speth

Thomas Speth Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Boston Cremation - Malden Care Center on Oct. 25, 2024.

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Thomas G. Speth, 81, passed away on October 22, 2024, in Danvers, MA. Born on October 2, 1943, he lived a life marked by dedication to his family, career, and passions.
Tom served in the Army from 1964 to 1967, reaching the rank of Sergeant. His time in the military was followed by a 35-year career at New England Telephone/NYNEX, Bell Atlantic/Verizon, where he worked as a Switchman, contributing significantly to the telecommunications field.
A resident of Malden, MA, for 47 years, Tom was a central figure in his community and home. He is remembered as a kind and thoughtful person, always ready to lend a hand. His commitment to his family was evident in every aspect of his life. He leaves behind his wife, Dorena (Neavear) Speth, his son, Karl E. Speth, and a loving circle of family members including his sister, Barbara (Speth) Shorette; brother-in-law, Lawrence M. Shorette; sister-in-law, Dr. Lonnelle Neavear; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and great grand-nieces and great-grand nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, George W. and Mildred (Battye) Speth, and his brother, Carl W. Speth.
An alumnus of Waltham High School, Tom's education played a foundational role in his life's achievements. Beyond his professional and military accomplishments, he was deeply passionate about music and art. He played in
several local Bluegrass bands, mastering instruments like the guitar, upright acoustic bass, five-string banjo, and mandolin. Additionally, he was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing portraits.
In lieu of a memorial service, as per his wishes, those who want to honor Tom's memory can make a donation to the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, MA. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and creativity will be remembered by all who knew him.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Thomas Speth's Guest Book

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October 26, 2024

Kayley Terrat posted to the memorial.

October 26, 2024

Meg Manderson posted to the memorial.

October 26, 2024

Mark J. Michaud posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Kayley Terrat

October 26, 2024

Chris and I offer our most sincere condolences with the heaviest of hearts. Tom was a wonderful friend to both of us and we both will miss the fun conversations that we would have all of the times we would run into each other. The best neighbor, the best random conversations that we both warmly look back on. I know that Q has seen him again and was wagging his tiny body tremendously. He was one of Q´s special special people. I fondly look back on all of the times we would feed and (attempt to) snuggle all of the neighborhood kitties. Karl and Dorena - thinking of both of you and I´m so sorry. Kayley and Chris.

Meg Manderson

October 26, 2024

Walking down the street to a business appointment in the financial district of Boston, who should I see but my dear friend, Tom. We greeted each other with a big hug. Tom in his work clothes, me in mine. And giggled at the reaction of the uniformed financial types! That was Tom. Warm, honest, and completely uninhibited! You will live on inn our hearts!

Mark J. Michaud

October 26, 2024

To Tom's family I offer my sincere condolences. Tom was a fine man and a gentleman to the core. He was the most natural musician I've ever known; hand him a stringed instrument and he could play it, and play it well. Rest in peace, Tom.

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Boston Cremation - Malden Care Center

287 Main St, Malden, MA 02148

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Sign Thomas Speth's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 26, 2024

Kayley Terrat posted to the memorial.

October 26, 2024

Meg Manderson posted to the memorial.

October 26, 2024

Mark J. Michaud posted to the memorial.