Thomas L. “Tom” Morganti (January 18, 1943 – January 27, 2026)
Thomas L. “Tom” Morganti, a proud and devoted member of Boston’s LGBTQ+ community and a longtime resident of the Fenway neighborhood, passed away on January 27, 2026. Born in Walpole, Massachusetts, on January 18, 1943, Tom lived a life marked by authenticity, activism, and deep care for those around him.
Tom’s life was defined by his devotion to his partner of over 30 years, Eric Schlott, who ensured Tom’s home was filled with love and safety through the challenges of Lewy Body Dementia in his final years. Their bond was a testament to enduring love, care, and partnership.
Tom lived his adult life as an out, proud gay man and was a trailblazer in Boston’s early gay liberation movement. In 1974, he was instrumental in the creation of the iconic Lavender Rhino, a symbol of gay pride designed to represent strength, courage, and inclusivity. He also helped distribute Fag Rag, a grassroots publication promoting awareness, community, and equality for gay and lesbian individuals during the early years of LGBTQ+ activism.
A resident of Boston’s Fenway neighborhood for more than 50 years, Tom was a beloved fixture of the community. He took great pride in his neighborhood, and in his later years could often be seen on walks picking up trash along the streets, through the Back Bay Fens, and around the Fenway Victory Gardens, quietly caring for the place he called home.
Tom also had a deep love of music and dance, which defined much of his social life. In the 1980s and 1990s, he frequented dance clubs and bars, forming lasting friendships with those who shared his passion for rhythm, movement, and joy. He worked at Vinyl Connection, first in Copley Square and later near Kenmore Square, where he sold dance records and connected with a wide community of music lovers. Many of these friendships endured throughout his life, reflecting the warmth and generosity of his spirit.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, Aileen (Yorston) Morganti and Louis L. Morganti, and his sisters, Shirley Morganti Warden and Dorothy Morganti. He is survived by a wide circle of friends who loved him for his humor, generosity, and zest for life.
Tom’s life was a celebration of courage, community, and joy. He will be remembered for his activism, his music and dance, his dedication to Fenway, and the love he shared with all who knew him.
Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to organizations supporting Lewy Body Dementia research or LGBTQ+ community initiatives