Synan, Thomas J., of Quincy, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side on August 29, 2026. He was 91 years old.

Born in Somerville in 1935, he was the son of the late Michael and Catherine (Foley) Synan.

Tom was an avid reader who especially enjoyed history and mysteries. Tom enjoyed crossword puzzles and word play that he often used in the poetry he would write as tributes to those he cared about. Tom also enjoyed traveling, and experiencing many adventures with his wife Linda and watching his Boston Red Sox. He was a proud graduate of Cathedral High School and St. John’s Seminary, where he prepared for a life of service to the Church and to the wider community. For 25 years, he served as a priest in the Diocese of Boston, offering guidance, comfort, and spiritual direction to those he encountered. Tom also served as a lector at St. John’s, where he participated faithfully in parish life and remained connected to the community of worship that was so important to him. His presence in the Church was steady and familiar, and he was known for his reverence, warmth, and quiet dedication.

After his years in the priesthood, Tom continued a life of service by working as a social worker for close to 20 years. In that role, he brought compassion, patience, and understanding to his work, helping others through difficult times with the same steady kindness that defined so much of his life. He believed in meeting people where they were and treating each person with dignity and respect.

Tom also gave generously of his time at the YMCA, where his involvement began after he took a class there. What started as a class soon led to volunteering, and before long he was recruited to work with seniors and later was paid for that work. He found great meaning in spending time with older adults, and he valued the relationships he built through that service. His willingness to step forward and help wherever needed was one of the many ways he lived out his faith and his values.

He was married for 20 years to Linda, and their marriage was a source of great companionship and love. While Tom always referred to Linda as his “beautiful bride”, he also lovingly remembered his first wife, Mary, who’s passing was a sorrow that was part of his life story and one he carried with grace. Through all of life’s changes, Thomas remained steadfast in his faith and in his care for those around him.

Thomas J. Synan will be remembered for his loving heart, his kind nature, and his friendly manner. He touched many lives through his priestly ministry, his work as a social worker, his service at the YMCA, and his faithful presence in the church. His legacy is one of devotion, compassion, and a life well lived in service to others.

Tom is predeceased by his first wife, Mary (Smith) Herald-Synan as well as his siblings James, John and Daniel.

Tom is survived by his wife Linda Sullivan, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as his first wife, Mary Synan’s, children and grandchildren. Tom is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to their faithful and loving friends. The family also extends their gratitude to Croí Health and Tom’s personal caregivers, especially Jackie and Erin, for their compassionate care, kindness, and support during his illness and final days. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 from 4-7 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Thursday, September 3, 2026 prior to the Funeral Mass in St. John’s Church, Quincy at 10 AM. Burial in Pine Hill Cemetery, Quincy. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s name may be made to Croí Health, 120 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA 02061 and/or The Holy Family Adoration Chapel at St. John’s Church, 44 School St, Quincy, MA 02169. See www.Keohane.com for directions and online condolences.