Thomas Andrew Larkin 

September 9, 1946 – June 29, 2026

Thomas Andrew "Tom" Larkin passed away peacefully at home on June 29, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Tom was born on September 9, 1946, in New York, New York. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in Mount Vernon, NY, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from New York University. Even as a young man, he carried a curiosity that would define him – a lifelong drive to learn, to build, to fix, and to leave things a little better than he found them. In 1968, Tom was introduced to Carol Ann on a blind date, and on January 23, 1971, they were married, beginning a partnership that would anchor the rest of his life.

After working for the New York Central Railroad after college, Tom devoted 30 years to federal service with a career that spanned the Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Energy. His work took the family from Washington, DC, to Portsmouth, OH, and ultimately to Oak Ridge, TN. Service was at the heart of who he was, and it ran through everything he did. As a son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, he was quick to lend a hand and generous with his time and talents whenever someone needed him.

He treasured the simple things – Sunday drives, good Chinese food, and the quiet satisfaction of hard work well done. Over the years, his curiosity carried him through woodworking, leatherworking, welding, machining/metallurgy, photography, guitar playing, and model airplanes, and he took just as much joy in sharing what he learned as in learning it himself. His love of music ranged widely, from big band and crooners to traditional country and folk. A gentle giant with a ready smile and a kind word for everyone, Tom will be remembered above all for the deep love he had for his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Roberta Larkin.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Ann Larkin; his children, Amy Sackaroff (Jeff) and Jonathan Larkin (Carrie Curtis); and his grandchildren, Bailey Larkin, Evan Sackaroff, Kyle Sackaroff, Owen Larkin, and Sheldon Larkin.

He is also survived by his brother, Brian Larkin; his sister, Theresa Bjarnson; his brother-in-law, Ed Ottusch; and his nieces and nephews, Melanie Hogue, Andrew Larkin, Matthew Larkin, Eddie Ottusch, Mark Ottusch, and Michael Bjarnson.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Methodist Medical Center, NHC Healthcare, Covenant Hospice, and to his home caregivers Jean, Gina, MaKalia, and Maxine, for their kindness and compassion. The family also wishes to thank the staff of Holley-Gamble Funeral Home for the thoughtful care and support they have provided in honoring Tom's memory. The family also expresses sincere gratitude to the clergy, staff, and parishioners of St. Mary's Catholic Church for their friendship, prayers, and steadfast support over the years, and especially for the love, care, and compassion they showed during Tom’s final months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Those wishing to honor Tom’s memory may also arrange for a Mass to be said in remembrance.

The family will receive friends from 3:00–5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oak Ridge, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.