Thomas Francis McLean, age 91, of Greenacres, Florida passed away peacefully in
company of family on May 24, 2023.
Thomas, son of the late Thomas McLean and Ellen Maloney, was born in New York City
on September 17, 1931. He was predeceased by his two younger siblings, Eleanor and
Donald, his first wife, Anne Galway, his second wife, Helen Page, son, Kenneth, and
great-grandchild Sahleia Hope. He will be lovingly remembered by his family, including
his children, Kathy Perry, Kaiilama (Patti) Morris, Thomas John "TJ" McLean, Eileen
Matthews, Dionna N. McLean, Christopher McLean, five grandchildren: Michael
McLean, Justin Morris, Caleb Morris, Ahlian Morris, Hal Matthews, and three greatgrandchildren: Gavin McLean, Reilly Morris and Lillie Anne Morris.
Tom was first generation Scotch American and proud of his Celtic heritage, a devout
Catholic and longstanding member of the Knights of Columbus. Additionally, he was a
member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and embodied the fraternal
order’s four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.
Tom had a lifelong career at Royal Globe Insurance Company. He began as a Claims
Loss Manager in 1949, where he met his future wife, Anne Galway. His employment
was interrupted by a two year stint in the U.S. Army from 1951-53 while he served as a
Medic in the Korean War. Following an honorable discharge, he returned to Royal Globe
and married his sweetheart, Anne. They initially set up home in Kew Gardens, Queens,
New York before moving to Huguenot, Staten Island, New York where they raised their
seven children.
Due to a Royal Globe work transfer in 1984 the couple relocated to Charlotte, North
Carolina and enjoyed living the next several years in the Piedmont region until Anne’s
passing in 1987.
Tom was an avid fisherman, and while searching for a second residence in the Atlantic
Beach vicinity to pursue his love of the sport, he met a Realtor, Helen Page who quickly
became Tom’s second wife. Having married in 1990, for the next thirty years they shared
their love of travel and dance until Helen’s passing in 2021.
Tom was a jazz enthusiast, passionate about Big Band Era music, and quite the hoofer.
He’s known for having taught the Lindy to his children while they were still in their
formative years.
Tom relished a good game of poker, but was far too modest to consider himself a card
shark. Likewise, he considered every trip to the casino a thrilling opportunity to play the
slots.
This quiet gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor was twice a devoted husband,
loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and faithful friend to many. His memory
lives on as a blessing and a legacy of love.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions made to Mended Hearts, a charity
which functions as a support group for individuals suffering from heart disease. Visit
mendedhearts.org/#donate to make a donation in Tom’s name.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Holy
Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, West Palm Beach, the Rev. Antony Pulikal
celebrant. Live streaming at www.myhnj.org
Further services will be held in Brooklyn, New York under the care of Leone Funeral
Home.
Burial with Military Honors will take place at Long Island National Cemetery, E.
Farmingdale, New York.
Arrangements are in the care of Tillman Funeral Home & Crematory, 2170 S. Military
Trail, West Palm Beach.
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church
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