Thomas Franklin Boothe

Born on February 23rd, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York City, Thomas was the son of the late Rena and Keley Boothe. He graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School in 1955.

A Life of Work and Love

Thomas's professional life was as diverse as his interests, holding several roles with organizations including MGM Studios, the New York Post Office, the New York Port Authority, NY Customs, and Brooklyn Union Gas. He ultimately retired after a long and dedicated career as a Bus Operator with NYC Transit.

His greatest professional role, however, was as a provider, and his greatest personal role was as a patriarch. On August 2nd, 1958, he married the love of his life, Veita, sharing a remarkable 67 years of marriage.

A passionate and avid learner, Thomas consistently emphasized education for all of his children and grandchildren, setting an example for the generations that followed.

Passion and Personality

Thomas was a big, kind, gentle man, known for his wonderful sense of humor and warmth. He was a mentor to many and a man whose presence filled any room.

His lifelong passion was sports. He grew up playing both baseball and basketball and maintained his devotion to New York teams even after moving to Virginia over 35 years ago. You could often see him proudly wearing the colors of his favorite teams, including the Giants, Yankees, and Knicks.

Thomas also loved music, collecting albums, particularly soul and gospel. He had a special affinity for classic game shows like The Price is Right, Family Feud, and Let's Make a Deal. His family will fondly remember hearing his signature catchphrase—"Ya Big Dummy"—which he would jokingly yell at contestants making poor choices, a slogan he lovingly transferred to his family when they would make mistakes.

Family Legacy

Thomas was one of five siblings, preceded in death by William Boothe and Herbert Nathan Boothe, and is survived by his sisters, Bernice Holmes and Carol Martin.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Veita Boothe, and their three adult children: Thomas, Craig, and Kimmie. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Gary, and daughter-in-law, Wendy; brother-in-law Steven, and sister-in-law Cindy.

His legacy continues through his large, loving family, which includes eight grandchildren: Thomas, Amirah, Sharoya, Michael, Shaunice, Melanie, Curtis, and Brooklynn R. He was a proud great-grandfather to twenty-one great-grandchildren: Zahir, Tamel, Jalen, Treshaun, Treyvon, Shaniya, Sariya, Skylar, Se-Yoni, Tristian, Brooklyn P., Jayda, Alanah, Amare, Kendrick, Quinn, Deonte, Christina, Genesis, Justin, and Harmony.

He is also survived by his grandson-in-laws, Shaheed and James, and granddaughter-in-laws Dominique and Kenya, as well as a large number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Thomas Franklin Boothe will be profoundly missed, but the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the laughter he inspired will never be forgotten.