Obituary of Thomas F. Lynch

September 28, 1946 – March 2, 2026

Thomas F. Lynch, 79, of Staten Island, New York, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026. Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Eileen Lynch; his three children, Mary Duffy and her husband Ed Duffy, Thomas Rando, and Donna Rando; his grandchildren, Braden Duffy, Connor Duffy, Jenna Rando, and Gianna Rando; his sister, Kathleen Nagel, and her husband Cliff Nagel; his nephew Sean Nagel and niece Allison Podesta. He leaves behind a family that is immeasurably richer for having had him in it.

Born on September 28, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, Tom grew up in Sunset Park and spent the last 20 years of his life on Staten Island. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Tom served his country during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Isle Royale, where he distinguished himself as a Shipfitter (Metal Smith) Petty Officer Third Class. His service was honored with the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal, a reflection of his dedication, courage, and commitment to his country.

After returning from his military service, Tom built a second career of public service with the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), where he worked as a Motorman for 31 years before retiring. Every day, quietly and reliably, he kept New York City moving, a fitting legacy for a man of steady character and strong work ethic.

Tom was a man of simple pleasures. He was a lifelong fan of New York’s own: the Mets, the Giants, and the Rangers. Tom was known to tune into a Yankees game just to make sure they lost. He loved bowling, playing cards, and was the undisputed family champion of Skip-Bo.

Tom had a deep and genuine passion for the classics of the 1950s and ’60s. He told the stories behind the music: who was in the band and what was happening in the world when it was written. Tom had a remarkable knowledge of history, and music was just one of the windows through which it shone. He was the kind of man you could sit with, and you’d always come away knowing something you didn’t before.

He may not have always said it out loud, but those closest to Tom never doubted how deeply he loved them. Tom cherished the time he spent with the people he loved most and never missed a Sunday dinner. His children and grandchildren will forever remember being called “funny looking” and being sent off with a “love you, kid!”, his special terms of endearment that made everyone feel loved. Those phrases, delivered with a grin, said everything about who Tom was: a man who expressed his love through laughter and time well spent together. He will be dearly missed.

Friends and Family are invited to pay their respects at Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314, on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM.