Thomas “Tom†Patrick Begley—affectionately known as Pops—passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a full and vibrant life over his 90 years.
Born in the Bronx, New York, to Irish immigrants Anastasia (County Tipperary) and Patrick Begley (County Kerry), Tom was their only child. He grew up navigating the streets of the South Bronx with a tight-knit group of friends who remained lifelong companions, many of whom found themselves in the Atlanta area. A proud graduate of Manhattan College, Tom spent his professional career as a dedicated salesman for West Point Pepperell.
Pops was a lifelong baseball enthusiast, a self-described “hack†golfer, and a friend to all—he truly never met a stranger. His greatest love was his beloved wife, Rosie, followed closely by his grandchildren and great-grandson. He was the heart of every room, known for his quick wit and endless supply of “dad jokes,†which he always found funnier than anyone else—especially when retelling them for the hundredth time.
Tom loved any social gathering and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, where he held several leadership roles. He also proudly served in the United States Army, though he was fortunate never to see combat. Despite his deep patriotism, he somehow always seemed more Irish than American.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Rose; his children Maureen Long (Canton, GA), Terence (Tracy O’Neill) Begley (Greenwich, CT), Anne Marie Begley (Cumming, GA), and Patricia (Jennings) Kilgore (Cumming, GA); his cherished grandchildren Micah Long, Dylan Long, Ryan (Maggie) Begley, Brendan (Emily Carranza) Begley, Connor Begley, Liam Kilgore, Kayleigh Kilgore, and Brady Kilgore; and his great-grandson, Ian Begley. He is preceded in death by his parents and his ‘angel baby’ grandson, Colin Patrick Kilgore.
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Friday, July 11th at 11:00 at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 3400 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in Corbett Hall at the church.
Following the services, we will have a celebration of life from 1pm-4pm at Never Enough Thyme restaurant at the Halcyon 6655 Town Square Suite 1250 Alpharetta, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities and encourages you to collect and donate can tabs in Tom’s honor—a small but meaningful gesture he would have loved. |