Thomas Francis “Tom” Lynch, 89, of Portsmouth, passed away Thursday, January 7, 2021, due to complications of COVID-19. He was born July 26, 1931, in Portsmouth, a son of the late Charles Joseph and Mary Margaret McManaway Lynch.
Tom attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and graduated from the former Central Catholic High School in 1950.
He went on to run the family business, Portsmouth Beauty & Barber Supply, and then worked at the Empire Detroit Steel Mill until its closure. Tom then worked in the electrical department at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, from where he retired.
He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and past president of the Portsmouth Realtors Association. Tom loved boating and being on the water and was the former commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Portsmouth.
Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Carolyn Ann Rowson Lynch, whom he married on November 29, 1958, in Portsmouth. Also surviving are his sister, Kathleen (Ron) Myers of Portsmouth; brother-in-law, John (Judy) Rowson of Portsmouth; sister-in-law, Sue (C.B.) Herrmann of Portsmouth; and five special nieces, Jodi (Tom) Ruppelli, Julie (John) Voorhies, Andrea (Matt) Schneider, Carrie (Jason) McMahon and Erica (Jason) Layne.
In addition to his parents, Tom was also preceded in death by his brother, Charles Lynch.
Private funeral services will be held under the direction of the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sierra’s Haven for New & Used Pets, 80 Easter Dr., Portsmouth, OH 45662.