Thomas Richard Bain

Commander Thomas Richard Bain (USNR - Retired), aged 71, passed away on July 8, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 28, 1951, in Berwyn, Illinois to Lewis Bain and Marion Smith Bain, Tom's life was marked by remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to his family, country, and community.

Growing up in Princeton, NJ, Tom later relocated to Greensboro, NC, during his high school years. His pursuit of education led him to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance from the University of South Carolina and a Masters of Accounting from the University of Phoenix.

Tom retired with 22 years of active and reserve service in the United States Navy, where he made significant contributions to the nation's defense. He was assigned to Patrol Squadron 24 and Patrol Squadron 62 (P3 Orion) at NAS JAX, where he conducted vital antisubmarine warfare and maritime patrol operations as a Patrol Plane Tactical Coordinator in the Cold War. His deployments included Keflavik Iceland, Sigonella Sicily, Rota Spain, Lajes Azores, and Bermuda.

Following his military career, Tom ventured into various professional pursuits. He worked at Prudential, where he excelled in his role and acquired the FLMI qualification. Additionally, he explored the fields of real estate/mortgage banking and served as a Sales Executive with the paging companies Mobilecom and Arch Communications.

In 1999, Tom embraced the Catholic faith, becoming a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He actively participated in church activities, serving as an usher, church ambassador, a member of the Knights of Columbus St. Johns River Council 10850, and a Fourth Degree Knight in Our Lady Queen of the Knights Assembly 2679. Tom found joy in connecting with his community and nurturing his spiritual beliefs.

Outside of his professional and religious endeavors, Tom had a zest for life. He was a member of San Jose Country Club, where he cherished playing golf with his long-time friends. Family held a special place in his heart, and he treasured spending time with his beloved wife of 44 years, Eileen. His daughter, Catherine, was the light of his life, and he beamed with excitement upon becoming a grandfather in May 2022.

He had a passion for military history, visiting American battlefields, as well as reading endless books on World War II. In his leisure time, he found solace in working in his yard, volunteering at church, cheering for the Jaguars, fishing, and even indulging in the occasional lottery ticket.

Tom leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service, and love. Tom's warm smile, kind heart, and boundless enthusiasm will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in eternal peace.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Bonner Bain, as well as his daughter, Catherine Bain Powell (Winston) and granddaughter, Charlotte Elizabeth Powell of Doylestown PA. He is also survived by his siblings Laurie Bain Norman (Jim) of Center Sandwich NH, David Bain (Janet) of Atlanta GA, Jeannie Bain Quist (Steve) of Doylestown PA; in-laws Colleen Bonner Frick (Steve) of Jacksonville FL; nephews Stephen Frick (Olivia, Finn, Elle), Andrew Quist, Kyle Quist, Ethan Quist (Mary-Kate), Thomas Bain, Paul Bain; niece Caroline Frick Harby (Will, Henry); and many loving cousins. He is predeceased by his parents Lewis and Marion Bain, and in-laws Ozzie and Lil Bonner.

A funeral service for Tom will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11757 Old St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32258. A reception will follow in the Cody Center 4152 Loretto Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32223. Private interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to L'Arche Jacksonville (700 Arlington Rd N., Jacksonville, FL 32211), an organization close to their loved one's heart, which exemplifies their dedication to fostering inclusive communities and supporting individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.