Thomas “Tom” Mahan, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully on Nov. 6, 2026, surrounded by love. He was 84.
A former altar boy, Tom was the quintessential Irish Catholic kid growing up outside of Boston, raised in the wonderful traditions of the 1940s and 1950s. Born on April 14, 1942, in Cambridge, Tom spent his formative years in Lexington. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood under the gentle guidance of his beloved parents, Rita and Francis Mahan. Tom’s father, Francis, served as Tom’s North Star throughout his life. Together they shared a special father-son bond built on love, faith, wisdom, a passion for Boston sports, and, of course, humor.
Always competitive, Tom excelled in athletics at Lexington High School, Huntington Preparatory School and Boston College, particularly in track and field and basketball. Some of Tom’s track records still stand at Lexington High School 60 years later. What mattered most to Tom about those years, however, were the lifelong friendships that were forged and cherished throughout his life. He always looked forward to reunions with classmates from high school, prep school, and college that continued regularly throughout his life.
Thanks in large part to his gregarious nature, Tom enjoyed a very successful career in institutional equity sales at the investment banking firms of Salomon Brothers and Merrill Lynch, covering Boston-based institutions. As luck would have it, toward the end of Tom’s career, Raymond James came calling seeking an experienced institutional equity salesman to cover Boston accounts. The opportunity brought a move to Florida, where the stars aligned and Tom and his wife, Diane, soon embraced the Gulf Coast lifestyle for Tom’s final chapter in the investment business.
Tom was a proud graduate of Boston College (‘65) and was over the moon when both children, Erin (‘92) and Greg (‘94) attended BC. A moment of great pride occurred when grandson Matt also followed in “Chiefy’s” footsteps and is currently a Junior at Boston College (‘28).
In retirement, Tom and Diane turned their attention to giving back to their communities. Tom was always Diane’s biggest cheerleader and enthusiastically supported her nonprofit endeavors in Massachusetts and Florida. They were happiest together and made a wonderful team as they worked together toward their goal of finding ways to best help the communities they loved.
During the winter months, Tom could be found golfing at Gator Creek Golf Club and Laurel Oak Country Club in Sarasota, Florida. Summers found him on the golf course at Tedesco Country Club in Marblehead where he was fortunate to have his son, Greg, and eventually his grandson, Matt, as caddies. Before long, they became playing partners and enjoyed many happy years of golf together.
Throughout his life Tom considered himself a very lucky man. He felt blessed to have had wonderful parents and a happy childhood, along with the love of family and lifelong friends. His strong Christian faith provided a great source of comfort, especially as he battled Alzheimer’s disease during the last years of his life. Tom’s warmth, humor, Boston Irish wit and passion for life will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Tom is survived by his wife Diane; daughter Erin (Andy Brittain); son Gregory; grandchildren Matthew and Nora Mahan; sisters Mary Duvall (Ed) and Sheila Batson; brother Gerard; brothers-in-law Dennis and Brian Sullivan; as well as many Mahan and Sullivan nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind two fun-loving Goldendoodles, Finn McCool and Max Smith, who were a great source of comfort and joy during the last few years of Tom’s life.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Rita (Clougherty) Mahan, and sister-in-law Rosemary Sullivan.
Services will be private.
