Thomas F. Begley

Thomas F. Begley, 92 years old passed away on February 22, 2019 at Flagler Hospital - Community Hospice Center. Tom was born on August 25, 1926 in New York City to James & Anna Kelly. Tom was blessed with 4 sisters and 4 brothers. His 7 siblings, John, James, Helen, Kathleen, Joey, Anna Mae & Marie; his wife, Audrey; and his companion, Gray Fawn all have predeceased him. Tom is survived by his loving twin brother, Eneas; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, great nephews, and even great-great nieces & nephews all over the world and too long to list.

Tom graduated from St. Augustine Elementary in the Bronx. He was then recruited to train for De La Salle Christian Brothers Teaching Order. On January 28, 1942, his father passed away of cancer which was his latent grief that persisted for many years. While Tom was in the Christian Brothers Novitiate in 1944, his three brothers, John (Army), James (Paratrooper) & Eneas (Navy) were very much in the war. He spoke often of these years as some of the more difficult ones and was determined to make a difference in this life through giving his all to whoever was in need. In fact, he regularly donated blood for wounded paratroopers who had suffered many severe injuries due to miscalculated drop in the European theater.

Tom was quite the joker, oftentimes seen as the “cool” uncle, the magician, and more importantly, the Educator. From the streets of New York City to a village 5000 ft. on Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa to eventually teaching in Orlando, Florida, Tom taught with dedication & compassion with each and every student throughout his entire career. Once he retired, he didn’t stop. He continued giving & giving & giving to the homeless, those in prison, young children and basically anyone who needed a helping hand. Tom’s hunger to provide charity could only be surpassed by his hunger for food.

Tom’s big, beautiful heart, warm smile and kind eyes, will forever live on in those so blessed to have known such an amazing human being.

Tom’s celebration of life will be held in Saint Augustine, FL in April, 2019. The date will be announced to family and friends within the next few weeks.