Thomas J. Speight

Thomas J. Speight, a cherished father, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving children. Born on July 8, 1931, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Tom lived a life filled with love, adventure, and unwavering enthusiasm. Tom was born to Edward and Helen Speight and grew up with a sister, Carole Diliberto, who predeceased him. As a young man, Tom answered the call of duty, joining the United States Navy where he served with distinction as a radioman on the USS Midway and the USS Alcore. His time in the Navy was marked by his skill in Morse Code, a talent he retained well into his nineties. After completing his military service, Tom returned to academia, earning a bachelor's degree in history from Saint Anselm's College and a master's degree in education from Our Lady of the Elms College. He devoted the early years of his career to teaching U.S. and World history in Massachusetts and Connecticut, where he inspired countless students with his passion for learning and storytelling. Tom's career took an adventurous turn when he embarked on a nearly three-decade journey selling airplane passenger seats to airlines around the world. His travels led to enduring friendships in Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, and his work in this field was marked by integrity and a genuine appreciation for different cultures. In 1958, Tom married Virginia Weeks, and together they built a life filled with love and laughter. Their partnership of over 60 years was a testament to their deep bond and mutual respect. Virginia preceded Tom in death in 2019, but their love story remains a cherished memory for their family. Tom is survived by his daughter Kathy and her husband George Kraynak, and his son Tom Speight and his wife Debbie. He was a devoted father and took immense pride in his family, always supporting and encouraging them in their endeavors. Outside of his professional life, Tom was known for his vibrant personality and love of life. An avid sports fan, he particularly enjoyed cheering for the Tampa Bay Rays and shared this passion with others. He found joy in playing cards, especially cribbage with his son-in-law and huck-a-buck with his friends at Olde Hickory. His upbeat attitude and love of music often meant he was found humming or singing, and his remarkable storytelling ability made him a cherished companion. Tom's presence will be sorely missed by all who knew him, especially his friends at Olde Hickory who welcomed him warmly into their community, enriching his life with shared experiences and camaraderie. A memorial service to honor Tom's life will be held on July 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Saint John XXIII, located at 13060 Palomino Lane, Ft. Myers, FL 33912. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Hope Hospice for the compassionate care they provided in Tom's final year, as well as to the VA for their previous support.