Thomas Andrew “Tom” Larkin
Thomas Andrew “Tom” Larkin passed away peacefully at home on June 29, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.
Tom was born Sept. 9, 1946, in New York City. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in Mount Vernon, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from New York University. Even as a young man, he possessed a curiosity that would define his life — a lifelong drive to learn, build, fix and leave things a little better than he found them. In 1968, Tom was introduced to Carol Ann on a blind date, and they were married Jan. 23, 1971, beginning a partnership that would anchor the rest of his life.
After working for the New York Central Railroad following college, Tom devoted 30 years to federal service in a career that included the Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy. His work took the family from Washington, D.C., to Portsmouth, Ohio, and ultimately to Oak Ridge.
Service was at the heart of who Tom was, and it was reflected in everything he did. As a son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, he was always 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 a job well done. Over the years, his curiosity led him to woodworking, leatherworking, welding, machining, metallurgy, photography, guitar playing and model airplanes. He took as much joy in sharing what he learned as he did in learning it himself. His love of music ranged 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 was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Roberta Larkin.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Larkin; daughter, Amy Sackaroff (Jeff); son, Jonathan Larkin (Carrie Curtis); grandchildren, Bailey Larkin, Evan Sackaroff, Kyle Sackaroff, Owen Larkin and Sheldon Larkin; brother, Brian Larkin; sister, Theresa Bjarnson; brother-in-law, Ed Ottusch; and 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 Tom’s caregivers, Jean, Gina, MaKalia and Maxine, for their kindness and compassion. The family also thanks the staff of Holley-Gamble Funeral Home for their thoughtful care and support in honoring Tom’s memory. Special appreciation is extended to the clergy, staff and parishioners of St. Mary’s Catholic Church for their friendship, prayers and steadfast support over the years, especially during Tom’s final months.
In lieu of flowers, memorial 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 his remembrance.
The family received friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A funeral mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oak Ridge, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. A graveside service followed at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be left at holleygamble.com.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home was honored to serve the Larkin family.
