Thomas J. Urban

Thomas J. Urban, of Randolph, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on April 11th. He was 65.

Born in Boston and raised in Dorchester, Tom was the beloved son of the late Jan and Gabriela Urban.

Loving brother of Andre Urban and his late wife, Barbara, of Garland, Texas, and Richard Urban and his wife, Kathy, of Weymouth.

Devoted uncle of Stefanie Urban and her husband, Nathan, of Plano, Texas; Christopher Urban of Garland, Texas; Joseph Urban and his wife, Molly, of Norwell; and Kaitlin Urban of Weymouth. Proud great-uncle of Jack Richard Urban of Norwell.

Tom graduated from Dorchester High School and enjoyed a happy and fulfilling youth surrounded by the love, care, and guidance of his parents and siblings. As he matured, he later resided with his Mom at the River Bay Club in Quincy, an assisted living facility. After his Mom’s passing, Tom continued to inspire and live independently at River Bay, supported by the caring staff, fellow residents, and his nearby family.

He later moved into a group home, eventually settling in Randolph, where he found deep friendship and joy alongside his two besties, Joe and Paul, and many devoted and compassionate caregivers.

Throughout his life, Tom participated in several day programs, including WORK, Inc. in Dorchester, Lifeworks in Norwood, and Grow Associates in Randolph. Tom’s ability to work contributed greatly to his self-esteem and integrity; he loved his weekly payday and stuffing his cherished wallet with the fruits of his labor.

He was a devoted Boston sports fan who never hesitated to remind others that “the Lakers stink” and “the Yankees suck.” He was an aficionado of the WWF and all things wrestling, easily distinguishing the heroics of Hulk Hogan from the thugness of the Iron Sheik.

Tom had a passion for games of all kinds—whether playing slots at Foxwoods, scratching lottery tickets, or fiercely and ruthlessly competing in board games like Aggravation with family and friends—especially when “Big Money” was on the line.

He was a purveyor of classic horror and science fiction films, amassing an impressive collection featuring old school icons like Lon Chaney, Bela Lugosi, and Boris Karloff, as well as monster legends like King Kong, Godzilla, and Mothra. He watched them over and over with glee and never hesitated to whip out his own uncanny impressions.

Notwithstanding his love for the macabre, Tom’s all-time go-to movie was The Wizard of Oz, which was embodied in his spirit; truly there was no place like home when with Tom.

Tom was both a gentleman and a gentle person, raised “right” by his parents. His true gifts were his innocent, loving nature, his beaming smile and spontaneous laughter. He was the centerpiece of every family gathering which he relished and commanded. No dull moments existed with Tom; the concept did not exist.

If hugging were an Olympic sport or a paying job, Tom would have taken the gold and the paycheck. COVID may have tried to put a stop to Tom’s hugging, but he never gave up easily. Elbow bumps and fist bumps just didn’t cut it, and his signature plea of “Just one, please” was hard to turn down. Inevitably when someone gave in and Tom would wrap you in a tight embrace, you never regretted it – you just wished you could have one more.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during visiting hours on Tuesday, April 22nd from 10:00–11:30 AM at McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, North Weymouth, 40 Sea Street (off Route 3A – Bicknell Square), followed by Tom’s funeral service at 11:30 AM.Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Dorchester.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom’s memory to The Jack Richard Urban Foundation