In Loving Memory of Thomas Andrew Tabb Jr.

Thomas Andrew Tabb Jr., 69, a native Bostonian, passed away peacefully at his home in South Boston on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Tom was proud of his roots and spent much of his life in the city he called home.

Thomas was the beloved son of Muriel C. Tabb and the late Thomas Andrew Tabb Sr. Throughout his life, Thomas was affectionately known to many as Tom, but to those closest to him, he was so much more, he was a son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and a familiar face who had a way of making connections wherever life took him.

He leaves behind his loving daughter, Jonique (Tabb) Primm, her husband, Troy Primm, and his cherished grandchildren, Cylis and Anyis, of Fresno, California. His family was an important part of his life, and the love he had for them will continue to live on through the memories, stories, and moments they shared together.

Thomas is also survived by his siblings, Anthony Tabb of Killeen, Texas; Mark Tabb and his wife, Maria Timony, of Bellingham, Massachusetts; Michael Tabb of Boston, Massachusetts; and Michelle (Tabb) Kelly of Clayton, North Carolina. He is also lovingly remembered by his niece, Joi Kelly of Clayton, North Carolina, as well as his aunts, uncles, extended relatives and many friends whose lives he touched over the years.

Tom was the kind of person who could make a friend almost anywhere. He genuinely enjoyed people, conversation, and connection. Whether someone had known him for years or had only recently met him, he had a friendly and helpful spirit that made people feel comfortable around him. He believed that friendship did not always require years of history sometimes it could begin with something as simple as saying hello.

That part of his personality is beautifully captured by a quote that represents him well:

“A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.”

Tom was also a hardworking man. He spent many years working as a barber, a profession that allowed him to do more than simply cut hair. A barber’s chair can become a place for conversation, laughter, stories, and friendship, and Tom’s natural ability to connect with people made that work especially fitting for him.

He later dedicated more than 25 years to Walmart, building another chapter of his life around hard work, consistency, and the relationships he formed along the way. Over the decades, coworkers and customers became familiar faces, and once again, Tom found himself surrounded by people.

Outside of work, Tom had many interests that reflected his creative, energetic and social personality. He enjoyed drawing, biking, roller-skating, watching the Food Network, visiting his mother, talking with people, and cars. These weren’t simply hobbies they were pieces of the person he was. He appreciated creativity, movement, good conversation and the simple pleasures that made everyday life interesting.

Those who loved Tom will remember him in different ways. Some will remember conversations with him. Others will remember his helpful nature, his humor, his creativity or the ease with which he could talk to just about anybody. His family will remember the moments that belonged only to them, the stories, expressions, habits, laughter and little things that become especially precious after someone is gone.

Although Thomas’s physical presence will be deeply missed, 69 years of life cannot be reduced to a final day. His life was made up of decades of experiences, relationships, work, creativity, family, friendships and countless interactions with people who crossed his path.

His story continues through his daughter, his grandchildren, his mother, his siblings, his extended family and everyone who carries a memory of him.

And perhaps the most fitting way to honor Tom is to carry a little of his openness into the world to talk to someone new, lend a helping hand, share a laugh, enjoy the things that make life worthwhile and remember:

“A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.”

Thomas Andrew Tabb Jr. will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.