Thomas Cabell Todd

Thomas Cabell Todd, Jr. passed away on Saturday, September 13, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, due to complications from a stroke.

Tom was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, on September 22, 1942, the eldest son of Dr. Thomas Cabel Todd, Sr., and Kathryn Scott Todd. He spent his childhood in Bristol, Tennessee, where his father served as the town’s obstetrician. After graduating from Princeton in 1964, he went on to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from NYU. He spent most of his adult life in Kent, Connecticut, and Evanston, Illinois, practicing as a clinical psychologist and family therapist and raising four children. During his professional career, he taught at multiple academic institutions, published numerous articles and several books in the field of family therapy and substance abuse, and had the opportunity to teach and lecture in places like Brazil, Kosovo, Norway, Sweden, and Bulgaria.

Tom was a quiet and thoughtful man who found joy in everything and was endlessly proud of his children. He loved sailing, windsurfing, and all sorts of games; he was a formidable chess player. After his retirement, Tom enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, embraced pickleball, and volunteered as a mental health provider for disaster relief as well as a mentor for other family therapists. He loved music and food and spent the last decade of his life in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he could indulge in both.

Tom was able to die peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, and lives on in their memories. He is survived by his wife, Tracy Lewis-Todd; children, Kathryn, Richard, Sara, and Cameron; grandchildren, Harper, Boone, Georgie, Roman, and Quincy; brothers, William and Robert Todd; sisters-in law, Angela, Daniele, Celia, and Tamara; mother-in-law, Barbara Lewis; ten nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Todd. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local public radio station in Tom’s honor at www.npr.org.