Thomas F. Hannigan

Thomas F. Hannigan, 88 years old, died on June 12, 2026, surrounded by family. Although it is an enormous loss, loved ones are comforted knowing that his spirit has joined his beloved late wife Barbara, who surely has a long “honey to do list” waiting for him. 

Born on October 17, 1937 to Helen and Thomas Hannigan, Tom grew up in what he joked was “the rich part of Dorchester” on Milton Street behind St. Brendan’s Church. It was in this neighborhood, at St. Gregory’s grammar school and Cathedral High that Tom formed lifelong friendships that continued until his death. 

At a CYO dance Tom met Barbara (Keohan) and seven short years later, they married at St. Mark’s Parish on September 28,1963. Their marriage was proof of enduring love, commitment and teamwork which prevailed for 62 years. 

Tom and Barbara made their home in Braintree, MA where they raised their children Christine (Bart Morrison), Tom (Meredith Hannigan), and Michael. His beloved second child MaryEllen was born prematurely, delivered at home by Tom and lived 6 days basking in his and Barbara’s love before she went to Heaven. ‘The Circle’ became the cornerstone of his family’s life– friends, family, neighbors all were welcome at 12 Hatch Ave, where Tom enjoyed the simplicity of mowing his lawn, tending his flowers, and chipping golf balls in his backyard. 

Grandkids Michaela, Fiona, Avery, Grace, Emerson, and Liam knew him as T-Bone, T for short. He was a dedicated fan and attended all their sporting events and ballet recitals. T cherished every moment he had with his grandchildren.

Tom loved his family and had a close bond with his brothers and their wives, Paul and Maggie of Easton and George and Ellie of Plymouth. He adored his sister Mary “Laurice” DiGirolamo and after her death in 1977 he attended daily Mass in devotion to her. His love of his Corcoran cousins extended to yearly family events (Han-Cor) in North Conway and Martha’s Vineyard. 

Tom’s long career as a telephone technician was interrupted only when he proudly enlisted and served from 1957-1959 in the Marines. More deep friendships developed with his years at New England Telephone, ATT, and especially during his tenure working for JCI Communications at the Massachusetts State House. For over fifty years he rode the red line on the MBTA from Braintree to Park Street until his retirement at 78 years old. 

Throughout his life Tom loved sports. A natural athlete, he played football and baseball for Cathedral High. He started running in his forties, spearheading a running tradition that continues to this very day when friends and family gather to run the Falmouth Road Race. He played golf, tennis, and swam into his eighties. It was a good day when he could participate in any two in one day! 

Tom will always be remembered as a true friend. He was easy going, accepting and had an infectious smile. He loved his Dunkin Donut’s coffee along with his Boston Globe. More than anything he loved his family. His presence in the lives of all those he touched will be missed deeply. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, Canton on Monday, June 22, from 4-7p.m. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd at St. Oscar Romero Parish in Canton at

10 a.m. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in West Roxbury.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association in Tom’s memory.

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