Thomas E. "Tom" Mooney, Jr.

a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, August 11th. He left behind a lifetime of love, generosity, and memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Tom was an extraordinary man whose greatest gift was the way he cared for other people. He was incredibly generous-not only with what he had, but with his time, his kindness, his compassion, and his unwavering willingness to help. His generosity left an imprint on so many lives, and the stories of his kindness will continue to be shared by the people he helped, supported, encouraged, and loved. His presence brought comfort and laughter, and if someone needed a friend, he was the one. Tom touched the lives of countless people, without ever expecting anything in return.

But above all else, Tom cherished his family. He was the devoted husband of Valerie Mooney of Johnston, with whom he shared a life filled with love and countless memories for over 54 years. He was a proud father to Sherri Mooney and her wife Wendy of Johnston and Tommy Mooney and his wife Jennifer of Cranston. He was a deeply loving papa to Gia, Chloe, Valen and Charliese who brought him immense joy and whom he loved more than words could express.

Tom also leaves behind his beloved brother John Mooney, his sister-in-law Sandra Mooney, and their children of Smithfield. Tom was the uncle to many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly and his family was never limited. Tom had a remarkable ability to make people feel like family and there are countless people who will forever consider themselves lucky to have known him.

Tom was a proud US Army Veteran, serving in the Vietnam War in the 25th Infantry with the Wolfhounds Tunnel Rats, where he received two Purple Heart medals. He was a member of the VFW Post 2396 and the DAV.

Tom volunteered his time as a partner with the athletes of the Special Olympics. He coached and sponsored numerous youth and adult sports teams and events in the community. Tom played slow pitch softball passionately for many years competing in 3 World and over 10 National Championships. These accomplishments led to his induction into the Slow Pitch Hall of Fame. If you didn’t see him on the softball field, you could find him on the golf course. Tom enjoyed the last several years living with his wife in Naples.

Tom was grateful for the many years he spent living on Indian Lake, seeking peace and solitude by fishing, boating, kayaking, and crafting. It was important to him to create a space for his family and friends to love and enjoy as much as he did.

His sudden passing has left a tremendous emptiness for all who loved him. There are no words that can fully express the size of the hole he leaves behind. However, alongside the grief, is an overwhelming gratitude for the kindness he showed, every person he helped, every laugh he shared, every memory he created, and every life he made better simply by being part of it.

Tom’s legacy is not just in the things he did, but in the people he loved and the lives he changed. The greatest testament to who he was will be found in the kindness people show one another because of what he taught them through the way he lived.

He will be profoundly missed, deeply loved, and never forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Tom. Your love, your generosity, and your beautiful heart will live on in all of us.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:45am from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am at Holy Cross Church, 645 Hartford Avenue, Providence. Burial with Military Honors will be in RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. VISITING HOURS Wednesday from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, 1010 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919.

Family and friends are encouraged to wear a piece of orange clothing as a special tribute to Tom and his favorite color.