Thomas Joseph Lydon, “Boston Tom” as his Butte friends know him, age 59, of Butte, formerly of Boston, passed away on November 11, 2023. Tom was born on October 31, 1964, to John and Inga (Girffes) Lydon, in Quincy, Massachusetts. There were six boys in the household! First born, John, then Patrick, Terrance, Mark, and twins, Timothy and Thomas.
Tom was raised in Boston where he received his primary education. Tom spent his grade school and high school years playing football and ice hockey – he was a sports fanatic. After school, Tom’s primary profession was as a mover. In Maine, Tom worked at Bathe, a naval yard that built big ships. A friend of his came to Great Falls to work for Mayflower transfer and storage. Tom followed to work for a subsidiary of Mayflower called Suhr and got to Great Falls just in time for COVID.
Tom showed up on the doorsteps of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on January 5, 2021, before the 7am Mass, frightening his soon to be confidant, Nita Perriman. He approached her and told Nita that his own mother would roll over in her grave if he let Nita continue shoveling the stairway. He promptly took over the shoveling job and that same morning went into the sacristy asking for work from Father Patrick Beretta. Fr. Beretta visited with him and found out Tom wanted a job, not for the money, but for the work. Soon after, due to the help of Fr. Beretta and Rick Shalk, Tom had a job in Melrose as a night calver on a ranch. He did this for a short time and ended up back in Butte.
Upon his return to Butte, Tom helped Ruth Morrow at her shop and rented a room from her. He also stayed with Nita’s cousin, Cliff Kent. During this time, he did work for and helped Sue Ueland, Gretchen and Dave Leipheimer, and many others. In the summer of 2021, Tom came to work on Nita’s deck and found it was easier to camp in her basement then her drive him back and forth to Butte each day. Tom ended up living with Nita until his death.
Tom found his home in Butte and at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. The people who knew him embraced him and became family. During his time with Nita, they developed a special bond; he was like a son to her, and her, a mother to him.
Tom was a sports aficionado. He knew everything you could know about coaches, players, college teams, pro teams, etc. Before his arrival in Butte, he ended up in Helena for a short time. Here he was published on the front page of the January 2021 edition of the Tavern Times for winning a ticket from a sports bet at the Rialto Bar. He loved sports betting and wanted his friends to understand it also. He was also sure to provide shirts form Boston College to his friends, so they were aware that there was another Irish college aside from Notre Dame!
Tom will be dearly missed by those near and afar. While he found his home in Butte, he has family that survives him back on in Maine and Massachusetts – brothers, John Lydon, Terrance “Terry” Lydon, Mark Lydon, and his twin, Timohty Lydon, as well as extended family members. Of course, he is survived by many friends and confidants in Montana, too numerous to name them all.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Inga; and his brother, Patrick Lydon.
A funeral mass will be held at 7am on Wednesday, December 6th at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 2801 Washington St. in Butte. Tom will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte in 2024. Memorials in honor of Tom are suggested for his monument expenses. Checks made payable to Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services and mail to 2009 Harrison Ave., Butte, MT 59701.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Tom.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Boston Tom and his family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
7am
Wednesday December 6, 2023
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
329 W Mercury St
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
7am
Wednesday December 6, 2023
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
329 W Mercury St
Butte, Montana 59701
Share
Marla & David Smith says
Tommy will be missed; but remembered forever.
Love and peace to all his brothers and friends.
Molly Lydon says
Uncle Tommy I love you so much. You will be missed so much down here but I know you’ll always be looking down watching and protecting all of us . Give grandma inge , grandpa jack and uncle Pat a big hug and kiss from me . Rest in peace my guardian angel God Father 💕
Chuck Crosby says
So sorry to hear the news, my thoughts and prayers are with the Lydon family. Although I hadn’t seen Tommy in many many years I still remember our time as young kids running the streets of Dorchester. It’s because of my friendship with Tommy & Timmy that I was able to live the life I had – we were close as young kids and I had many sleepovers at their house. One particular night staying at their house, unfortunately my house burnt down and if I was home instead of at my friends I most likely wouldn’t be here today. Even after the fire I lived with the Lydon’s for a few months while my family was homeless. I never really got a chance to say thank you for the friendship and impact you had on my life. Rest in peace my friend and thanks you!
Gina & Rich Bailey says
We want to offer heartfelt condolences to the Lydon family and friends. Take this time to remember all the good times you have shared with Tommy.
Susan Ellen Goche says
So sorry for the loss of such a young man. Tommy was loved and will be remembered! Family and friends are in my prayers as they say their good byes for now. Tommy is being reunited with his parents and brother Patrick (and may extended family members) in heaven🙏❤️
Judy Murphy says
.My family and I was so blessed and privileged to have known Thomas. I worked along side him on a special project. Such a positive and cheerful man. Such a gentle person and a true gentleman. He quickly became a part of our family and many wonderful conversations were held. Everyone he came in contact with , who I knew, was so blessed by him . I miss our texts and sharing times. Also our times talking about Jesus.
Our prayers and sympathy to His brothers and family.
Judy and Frank Murphy
John Quinlan says
So sorry to hear the news, my thoughts and prayers are with the Lydon family. Rest in Peace Tommy.
John Quinlan, and the Quinlan Brother’s Kevin, Patrick, Mike and Eddie.
Bonnie Grealish Conrad says
I casually started out looking for one of you Lydon boys this morning and stumbled upon your loss. I’m so sorry – I see he is now with his brother and your parents. Just know that I’m thinking of you guys and wish I had known to pay my respects to. Xoxoxoxo Love, Bonnie
Kristina says
I’m at a total Loss for words , I just had a gut feeling something wasn’t right , after his last visit to Maine he hadn’t made much contact with me , and we talked usually every 2 or 3 months .
I always worried about him for he was so many miles away and not easy to reach, We may of been divorced but we always remained civil and good friends after that day.
I will forever in my heart miss you , all I can do is cry
And go through the many emotions I have coming ahead of me , all the unanswered questions , wow
I’m simply lost at this moment !
Tom as you always said to me
Always Forwver &No Matter what you’ll be in my thoughts
I love you !!!
Ruth Webb says
Tom, I can not really understand or why this has happened to you but only God knows the real reason! We had a lot of laughs and good times with the family! All lot of Biblical Conversations but it was done in a good way! You certainly are gonna be missed and you Will always be in my memory and my heart! We had something special, I just wished you would have reached out , so I could have tryed to help you ! Rip Tom ! Always Sunshine (Ruth)