Thomas P. McGee III, also known as "Big Tom" or "Pepere McGee," of North Smithfield, passed away on January 6, 2022 at the age of 85, surrounded by family at the Providence VA Medical Center. Big Tom was one of three children and the oldest to his two sisters the late Janice (McGee) Trepanier and Patricia (McGee) Schwegler.
He was the husband of the late Barbara (Larsh) McGee and loving father of five children: Tom McGee and Julie Larosee, Tim McGee and his wife Jo-Ann, Nancy (McGee) Perda and her husband Michael, Jim McGee and his wife Deb, and Scott McGee and Kerry. In addition to his children, Big Tom was the grandfather of Tom and his wife Kerri, Jack, Kathryn, Sean, Sarah, Matt, Luke, Reagan, and Jake, and great-grandfather to Charlotte and Noelle.
Outside of family life, Big Tom was a proud Navy veteran and plank owner of the USS Ranger, and a master plumber who prided himself on being able to "fix anything except a broken heart." He was also an active member of the VFW and the Knights of Columbus. Big Tom was an exemplary citizen of North Smithfield where he volunteered for the Memorial Day Parade, St. John's Church, and North Smithfield youth baseball among many other events. In 2012, Big Tom was honored with the privilege of being the Grand Marshall at the Memorial Day parade. In his free time, Big Tom enjoyed playing the bagpipes, hunting, camping in New Hampshire, and cooking for his family (especially his famous potato salad).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 11am ET in St. John the Evangelist Church, 63 Church St., Slatersville and may be viewed live online at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/1609494596 Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St., Woonsocket. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Big Tom's name to the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight at www.RIHonorFlight.com or mail to RIFC Honor Flight, PO Box 28132, Providence, RI 02908.
Tributes
Lou Provost and Phyllis Mahoney wrote on Jan 15, 2022:
"Watching the live stream of Tom?s beautiful funeral, it was so clear how many people he touched throughout the years.
May he Rest In Peace in the arms of his beloved wife, Barbara.
His earthly journey complete, remember how fortunate you are to have been loved by these wonderful parents.
Louis ?Porky? Provost & Phyllis ???"
Gloria Morin wrote on Jan 14, 2022:
"Scott and family so sorry to hear of your dad?s passing. May you find comfort in your family and friends. "
Sis & Mark Crozier wrote on Jan 14, 2022:
"We are saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. You are all in our hearts and thoughts.
Sis and Mark Crozier"
Mary Burns Mingolla wrote on Jan 14, 2022:
"Tommy ,Timmy, Jimmy, Nancy and Scott
Our deepest condolences go out to you all
Your Dad was a great guy and will be missed in our little town.
Mary & Joe Mingolla"
Philip Kaczorowski wrote on Jan 12, 2022:
"Tommy was a great person. He was the first plumber I used when I moved to North Smithfield. He was always there when I needed him. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Philip Kaczorowski"
Richard Potenza wrote on Jan 12, 2022:
"To the McGee family: sincere sympathy on the passing of Mr. McGee. My thoughts are with you all."
Cynthia Jones wrote on Jan 12, 2022:
"Love, Peace & Prayers."
Cynthia Jones wrote on Jan 12, 2022:
"Tommy, Timmy, Nancy, Jimmy and Scott
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. May the special memories you all made together help all of you through this difficult time."
Marcel Labrecque wrote on Jan 11, 2022:
"Marcel and Jocelyn Labrecque
Our condolences to Tim and the entire McGee family for the loss of "Big Tom" , he will surely be missed by many. God bless you all during this sad time and God bless Tom as he reunites with his Barbara in Heaven, may they eternally rest in peace.
"
James McGee wrote on Jan 10, 2022:
"Tom and I worked a couple of summers painting for my father, Ray McGee (owner of Thomas P. McGee Painting Contractors). Tom was always fun to work with, convivial and funny and willing to do the hard work required of us. I am at the cusp of death (a couple of weeks). God bless you Tom and may we meet in heaven."
Jay Chelo wrote on Jan 10, 2022:
"Dear Tommy and Family,
I?m so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Jay Chelo and Family"
Lisa Gouin wrote on Jan 9, 2022:
"Jim we are so sorry to hear of loss of your Dad. Prayers of strength and peace and wonderful memories which you will always have. Hugs to you and Deb and the entire McGee family. Lisa & Mike , Jill , Zary"
Cathy Laliberte wrote on Jan 9, 2022:
" Scott, Tommy, and Jim, Please accept my condolences. My mom also passed away on 12/23/21 and her obituary is on this site as well. "
Ann Burdick wrote on Jan 9, 2022:
"I am so sorry to hear that Tom passed, he will be missed very much. He was a great person and would help anyone that needed it and I know that first hand. Take care, Ann Burdick"