Thomas Francis Welch

Thomas F. Welch, 76, also known by the nickname “Sparky,” passed away in Danvers on March 6, 2026. He was born in Swampscott on July 5, 1949, and attended St. Mary’s Grammar School before graduating from St. Mary’s Boys High School in 1967. Tom grew up in Lynn and later attended North Shore Community College and Westfield State College.

Tom worked in several facets of the film industry before beginning a career in video distribution with Artec Distributing. He spent 25 years in the industry and enjoyed every minute of it. After leaving Ingram Entertainment, he went to work for The Home Depot, where he worked for 15 years.

He enjoyed sports and attended many games in Foxborough and at Boston Garden, as well as many games at the Cathedral known as Fenway Park. Tom also enjoyed visiting the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown with his daughter, Keelyn, and his grandson, Thomas, on several occasions. He loved everything Irish and was lucky enough to make the pilgrimage to the Emerald Isle.

Tom was preceded in death by the love of his life, Jeanne; his sisters, Ellen and Karen; and his parents, John and Peg. He leaves his niece, Scarlett, and her son Zachary, and remembers her other son, James, who is deceased. He also leaves his niece and nephew, Allura and Brandon, as well as many other nieces and nephews; his daughter, Keelyn; his stepdaughter Dina and her husband Tom; his stepdaughter Katie and her husband Eric; and his beloved grandchildren, Thomas and Kayla.

He enjoyed a wonderful life with his loving family and friends, especially Molly Cohen. Tom was lucky enough to make many friends throughout his life, from childhood through school, work, and beyond. He leaves many friends, especially those from the Four ‘Clock Club, which was established in 1968.

A Memorial Visitation will be held in the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home in Lynn on Friday, March13, 2026, from 4-6 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist in Swampscott on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Inurnment will follow at Swampscott Cemetery.

Please send donations to: My Brother’s Table - 98 Willow Street, Lynn, MA 01904