Thomas Bethune Jr., 74, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025, in Jupiter, Florida, after a battle with terminal illness. He was born on July 10, 1951, in Revere, Massachusetts, where he spent his childhood and young adult years, eventually marrying and raising his family. He later moved to Peabody, MA before retiring to Lantana, Florida.

Tom dedicated 24 years to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Dept. as a Deputy Sheriff and was a licensed plumber prior to that. He was a jack-of-all-trades. There wasn’t a kitchen or bathroom he couldn’t remodel, a tree he couldn’t chop down, or a deck he couldn’t build from scratch. He enjoyed woodworking, and often built whimsical yard displays like wishing wells, and playhouses for his children and they grew up.

To say he had a deep appreciation for good food, would almost be an understatement. He loved to cook- traditional Italian dishes passed down from his family, and seafood of any sort. He loved to eat, and more so than either of those, he loved to enjoy a meal with family and friends.

Boating came second nature to Tom. A longtime member of the Pleasant Park Yacht Club, he built friendships and bonds both in and out of the water. He spent many of his younger years throwing lobster traps and eventually just cruising on speed boats at the lake in Kingston, NH; the salt air didn’t define him, water did. Hunting for sport all over New England, was another pastime in his youthful years, as well as riding motorcycles- a hobby that he would later revisit while on the police force where he joined a law enforcement motorcycle club, The Enforcers- where he took on the beloved title of “Daddio”.

As a teenager and young adult, Tom played the organ in a rock band. His stories of practice sessions included some famous name droppings of Boston legends such as, Steven Tyler. His group was even offered a chance to go on tour as an opening act for another musician, but his parents felt he was too young to tour the world and so he stayed rooted in Boston. However, his love of music stayed with him throughout his life. Even during his elder life at Gardens Court Nursing Home, you could always find him entertaining the residents from behind the piano in the dining room. He never lost his charisma, charm, or talent.

He is deeply loved by his daughters, Kayla and Kellie, and his grandchildren “Lily and Bash”- they will forever miss their Grandpapa. They will all cherish his strength, his humor, and his quiet but unwavering support. His presence will be missed every day not just by his family, but by all who were lucky enough to know him.

He is survived by his children: Thomas (Amie) Bethune of Melrose, MA; Kellie McInvale of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; and Kayla Bethune of Middleton, MA. His grandchildren Christian, Angel and Joy Bethune; and Liliana and Sebastian McInvale. His mother, Anne Bethune; and his sister Darlene Donovan. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Bethune, Sr., and sister Joanne Melton.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in the fall. Tom will be remembered for the life he lived with humor, loyalty, love and for the lasting impact he made on those who had the privilege of knowing him.

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