Thomas Francis Brophy

Thomas Francis “Tom” Brophy of Tampa, FL, died on July 4, 2024, at the age of 87 after a seven-month battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Jacqueline (Bourbonnais) Brophy as well as six of his children: Coral Becker (Ken), Sandy Jenkins (Mark), Nicole Grimm, John (Katherine), Thomas (Gemma), and Jeremiah (Diana). He was blessed to have 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John “Jack” and Mary (Moran); his sister Elizabeth “Bet”, and his brothers, John and Jeremiah; his children Sherry Breeden and Michael Brophy, and his son-in-law Jim Grimm.

Tom was born in White Plain, New York, on February 13, 1937, the youngest of four children. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1961 and flew nearly 200 combat missions as a navigator with the Pacific Air Command for the Air Force. His military duties included assignments in Massachusetts (Westover AFB), Florida (Eglin AFB), Virginia (Langley AFB), Hawaii (Hickam AFB), and Washington D.C. (Pentagon) where he retired in 1983. He then began work as a defense contractor. He and Jackie moved to Tampa, Florida in 1993, as he continued as a defense contractor for Special Operations Command at MacDill AFB, until retiring in 2012.

Tom grew up in an Irish household, his parents having immigrated from County Carlow, Ireland in 1928. He was a wonderful storyteller of his Irish heritage, beginning with the life of his father Jack who was an outlaw, fighting for Irish independence in the early 1920s. He was raised on his mother’s legendary soda bread, the recipe of which has been handed down to children and grandchildren. That, along with his homemade Irish cream, always had starring roles at the annual St. Patrick’s Day party they hosted for decades.

Tom had a twinkle in his eye, a quick smile, and laughter that was abundant. He was an avid reader and could talk about most anything. He was an encourager, often saying “good, good” after someone shared a positive story or anecdote. He served others using the skills he learned from his own father – repairing cars, fixing water heaters, and other handyman tasks. Tom was generous with food and drink, conversation and prayer. The Brophy’s always had an extra place around the table ready for anyone who showed up. He began every meal with “Father God”, thanking Him for the blessings bestowed. He loved his Irish whiskey and of course red wine, that he would offer his guests. Of course, that led to more laughter and more storytelling!

Tom loved family! He knew how important it was to build a loving family culture. He was in regular contact with his siblings and cared for his sister Bet when she was ill towards the end of her life. They traveled throughout the years to visit children and grandchildren, including South Africia, celebrating momentous occasions. Family reunions were a part of life, filled with card games (Golf!) and jigsaw puzzles, yummy meals and lots of good conversation. You would always find him under the tent and in the water throughout the week sharing stories and imparting wisdom.

Tom’s generous and loving spirit flowed out of his relationship with Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit that was at the core of his being. He grew up in a devout Catholic family and faithfully attended church, starting as an altar boy.

In the early 1970s his faith was emboldened and deepened when he and Jackie were baptized in the Holy Spirit while living in Hawaii. Their lives were radically changed by this encounter through the power of the Holy Spirit. In 1981 they were part of 13 founding member of the Northern Virginia Branch of the People of Praise Christian Community. Tom became a leader in the branch, they lived community life to the fullest, leading small groups, and opening their home to many. In 1993 they moved to Tampa so Tom could accept the leadership position of the Tampa branch.

Over the years, Tom and Jackie became beloved by the men, women and children in and out of the branch. He was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church, serving weekly as Eucharistic minister and lector. His wisdom, counsel and friendship was highly-prized and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Services will be as follows:

Visitation: Blount & Curry (605 S MacDill Avenue, Tampa FL 33609)

Tuesday, July 16, at 6pm – 8pm.

Mass of Christian Burial: Christ the King Catholic Church (821 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609) Wednesday July 17, at 10 am.

Reception: to follow at the Mary Martha Center (2nd Floor) on the church campus. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flower, Memorial gifts can be made to Christ the King Catholic School either online (https://www.cks-school.org/support/annual-giving/make-a-gift-or-pledge) or via check to 3809 W Morrison Avenue Tampa, FL 33629. Please mark the online form or the memo line of the check with the following: tuition assistance for families in need (Tom Brophy) Please note: memorial gifts will be acknowledged by the school and communicated to the Brophy family.