Carty, Thomas Patrick age 76, died peacefully at his home in Needham surrounded by his family on Wednesday May 5th. Tom was the loving husband of Priscilla “Sue” (Donahue) Carty. They were married for 52 years. Tom was the father of Christopher Carty and his wife Carly of Needham and Philip and his fiancée Pattarin Noomuen of Charlestown, MA.
Tom is predeceased by his father Thomas previously of County Roscommon (Ballaghaderreen) and his mother Margaret (Moran) Carty of Galway (Moylough). Tom is the brother of Ann Marie Thrailkill of Los Gatos, CA. and John Francis of Newton (predeceased). Tom was the beloved Papa of Maeve and Tommy Carty of Needham. Tom leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law: Estelle McCarthy, Kathleen and Richard Sotell, William and Debbie Donahue, and Sean and Mary Donahue.
Tom was born in Brighton, MA and grew up on Bigelow Street in Oak Square. He attended the Presentation Grammar School in Brighton, St. Mary’s High School in Waltham and was a proud alumnus of Providence College, class of 1966 where he majored in Mathematics.
Tom continued his education and went on to get an MS in Mathematic from UCONN and an MS in Computer Science from BU. He also studied business at Babson College.
Tom began his career at Sylvania GTE in Needham as a Communication Software Engineer where he ultimately became the Director of Engineering. Tom worked in government systems, leading many classified projects in secure communications commissioned by the Department of Defense and the National Security Agency. He was a pioneer in the development and application of Public Key Infrastructure technology in both the government and private sectors. Tom became the VP of Business Strategy and Strategic Relations for GTE Cyber Trust Solutions where he developed the world’s first operational certificate management system and the world’s largest key management system. For his accomplishments, Tom was the recipient of the GTE Leslie Warner Award and Federal Design Achievement Award. Tom retired from GTE in 2000.
Tom was a lifelong learner. He had many interest and talents. After retiring, Tom pursued his creative passions and ultimately became a Master Craftsman. He worked in many mediums, including stained glass, stone masonry, and woodworking. He specialized in carving all types of whales and eagles. Ultimately became a builder of fine furniture which adorns the houses of many family members who cherish them.
Tom was an avid sports fan. He always enjoyed taking family members to various games. Tom’s greatest passion in sports was Providence College Friars Basketball. He also loved traveling and exploring new places, and he took his family on many road trips and vacations which are well remembered.
Tom most enjoyed spending his time in Nantucket where in retirement he built a home for his family. He enjoyed reading and taking long walks on the beach with his wife. Tom enjoyed fishing with his sons and sharing his many passions with his family members. He was well loved by all and will be missed by his family and friends.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave. Needham on Tuesday, May 11, at 10am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, Needham at 11am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours on Monday, May 10, from 4-7pm. Interment in St. Mary Cemetery, Needham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to the MGH Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or the charity of your choice.