Thomas Edmund Thorburn, aged 73, passed away at home on Monday morning June 18, 2018 from complications due to lung cancer, with his family at his side. Tom was born in Brockton in 1944 to the late Wallace F. Thorburn and Eldora (Reed) Thorburn.
He worked in Wanamaker's Bakery in Brockton from the time he was a teenager until the bakery closed in the 1970s. There, he most enjoyed making batches of muffins. Tom owned Tom’s Pastry Shop on the south side of Brockton. His family fondly remembers him coming home in the early morning hours with pastry boxes containing a sample of the night's work. From the 1980s until 2000, Tom was employed with Shaw's Supermarkets, baking until retirement.
He was married in 1970 to Patricia “Pat” (Doyle) Thorburn of Brockton, to whom he remained married until the day he passed. They shared their home in Brockton with one another for over 40 years. Tom and Pat were active foster parents in the 70s and 80s.
Tom is survived by his son, Shawn T. Thorburn, who resides in West Bridgewater, MA with his wife Pamela and their two sons. He also leaves behind two daughters; Stephaney Thorburn, of Mashpee, MA and Charleen Thorburn of York, ME. He also leaves a son, Andrew Thorburn Wareham, MA. Tom was the brother of John Thorburn of Florida, the late Wallace Thorburn formerly of Belmont, ME and the late Eldona Wanke formerly of Florida. He also leaves behind several dear nieces and nephews. For Tom, holiday family gatherings were the highlight of the year. He loved cooking a turkey or ham dinner.
Two sources of pride for Tom were his grandsons, Shawn P. and Derek Thorburn of West Bridgewater. He was a dedicated spectator at their many sporting events.
A lover of country and gospel music, Tom was happy to have visited Nashville, Tennessee and watched performances at the Grand Ole Opry. His favorite singers were Johnny and June Cash and the Statler Brothers.
Tom will be remembered as a man who loved to help animals and people in need, and who enjoyed a good joke along with an occasional Cape Codder. He was a lover of animals and enjoyed the company of many beloved pets throughout his life.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 20th at the Conley Funeral 138 Belmont St. (rte. 123) Brockton from 5 pm - 8 pm. A funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday at noon in the Conley Funeral Home followed with burial in Melrose Cemetery, Brockton.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom’s name to Old Colony Hospice, 321 Manley St., West Bridgewater, MA 02379.