Rev. Thomas J. Naughton
Rev. Thomas J. Naughton, a retired priest for the Archdiocese of Boston, died at Regina Cleri Residence, Boston, Sunday October 6, 2013. Loving son of the late Thomas and Julia (Carroll) Naughton and brother of Carol A. Naughton of Milton and the late Paul Naughton. A graduate of Milton High School in 1952, he was ordained a Catholic Priest on February 2, 1961 by Bishop Jeremiah Minihane at Holy Name Church, West Roxbury. H is first assignments were at Saint John Church, North Cambridge, MA and Saint Kevin’s Church in Uphams Corner, Dorchester. Fr. Naughton received a Master’s Degree in Education from North Carolina State University and from 1965 – 1967, he taught Theology and Medical Ethics at Emmanuel College. Fr. Naughton entered active duty in the United States Army in September of 1970. Fr. Naughton was a Bronze Star recipient and served in Korea, Vietnam, Alaska, Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Carlyle Barracks, Pennsylvania and then three tours at Fort Bragg, NC with the special forces. He retired from the U. S. Army a Lt. Colonel. Fr. Naughton returned to Boston in 1991 and was assigned to Beth Israel Hospital as chaplain for three years. His next assignments were Immaculate Conception Church, Winchester, Saint Martha and Mary Church, Lakeville, then chaplain at New England Medical Center in 2009. He was a temporary administrator of St. Mary of the Angel’s Church, Roxbury and St. Elizabeth’s Parish, Milton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Mary of the Hills Church, Saint Mary’s Road, Milton Saturday, October 12th at 11:00 AM, with Bishop Robert F. Hennessey, principal celebrant. Fr. Naughton will lie in state at Saint Mary of the Hills Church, Friday, 4-7 PM. Interment Milton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Society of St. Simon of Cyrene, PO Box 54, South Boston, MA 02127.
Guestbook Entries
Fr. Tom – So good to me and to my family. Despite traveling around the world, you were always there for us. I will miss you so my friend.
Dear Carol,
Paul and I are deeply saddened by the passing of your brother. Father Tom was very special to us. He married us in 1989 and kept in touch with us throughout the years. Father Tom will forever remain in our hearts.
Love,
Paul and Christine
Carol — My mother and I are very sorry to hear about Fr. Tom. He was a great guy and a wonderful neighbor. His cards and letters from his various outposts were always appreciated as were, in later years, his visits and words of encouragment to my dad.
Carol,
How well we remember the First Mass reception at St. Mary of The Hills Church after a huge snowstorm . The Milton Highway Department cleared the school yard so all the guests could attend. Those men were so proud of Father Tom, the son of one of their own. The Smith, Molloy and Fitzgerald Clans were so blessed to have him in our lives during happy as well as sad times.
“Hardworking hands are now at rest–Treasure him Lord in Your garden of rest.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Bill, Barbara, John and Marybeth Fitzgerald
Dear Carol, please accept my condolences on the passing of Father Tom. We first met as lifeguards at Cunningham Park, Milton, and remained friends throughout the years. He ministered to my family and to our extended family, and I will miss him. My recent MI and surgery prevent me from attending his Mass, but my thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob Riley
Dear Carol,
Father Tom was so lucky to have you as a sister. He was always so pleasant … and I appreciated it so much when he said he would be a guest speaker at a monthly breakfast at the COA. My prayers and sympathy are with you.
Sincerely,
Alice Mercer
Carol so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
take care
Dear Carol,
Fr. Tom was very close to our family. The kids will never forget him sitting on our couch drawing Snoopy cartoons for them. He loved children. He generously officiated at all our children’s weddings, then baptized almost all of the grandchildren. He even made a trip to NY City to officiate at our son and daughter-in-law’s wedding when the priest at St. Patrick’s Cathedral forgot and left town. He loved talking about BC with my husband Jim. He even managed to get to a few games with us in his busy schedule. Our families will always be grateful for his friendship through the years and he will be very much missed. Our condolences.