Thomas Francis Enright

Thomas (“Tom”) Francis Enright, who was 80 years old and lived in the City of Canyon Lake, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 8, 2019 in Menifee, California. He was visited by his family and many of his friends before he died and was able to say goodbye to those he loved. Tom was born June 14, 1939 in New York to the late Hugh Enright and late Catherine Donahue. He had two brothers—the late Hugh Enright and Paul Enright, who still resides in New York.

Tom valued his close friendships and nurtured them like they were family. He has had some of his friends for over 50 years and has had the opportunity to celebrate many of their milestone birthdays and epic New Year’s Eve parties. One of his most cherished trips was his guy’s trip to Mammoth, where they would fish, go to happy hour, and cook for each other. In the last few years, Tom treasured the monthly “No Friends Lunch”, where he would have lunch with some of his dearest guy friends, while they reminisced about the old times and caught up with their current lives.

Tom loved to cook and entertain for his friends and family. Cooking his lamb “lolllypops” and chile verde were just some of his favorite dishes. He loved nothing more than a good party with friends and family.

Tom was outgoing and friendly; he never met a stranger. No matter where you were, he would strike up a conversation with a nearby stranger and soon they would all be the best of friends.

Tom had a great sense of adventure, which he passed on to his children. He loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time fishing, riding motorcycles, sailing, and snow skiing. Tom took his kids on many sailing trips to Catalina, where they would camp, fish, cook, boat, and snorkel. It was always quite the adventure because sure enough some part of the boat would malfunction and wit and wisdom would decide the fate of the group. But never fear, we all survived and were the better for it. Our trips to Mammoth were filled with snow, skiing, and sledding. As with our trips to Catalina, Tom would encourage his kids to brave the mountain and learn to ski, regardless of the conditions. And always at the end of the day, there is nothing a good beer wouldn’t cure.

Tom was funny and sarcastic at times. He had many colorful expressions that his children find themselves saying to their children. When he wanted to leave, he would say “this bus is leaving the station with or without your”, as he honked his horn and started driving away. His family chalked this up to “New York charm”.

Tom leaves behind his beautiful life partner, Bonnie Derleth. Bonnie has been by Tom’s side through thick and thin, celebrating the good times together and weathering the storms. Bonnie was by Tom’s side as much as possible the last year of his life, often with Max (the dog) by her side. Tom loved Max (according to him Max was the best dog he ever had) and Max brought him endless joy.

He leaves behind his loving daughters, Tracy and Megan, who want to celebrate their dad’s life. Tom lost his son Eric when Eric was only 20 years old, which was 30 years ago. Tom adored his son and thought about him daily.

Services for Tom Enright will be held at Miller-Jones Mortuary on Thursday July 18, 2019, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Miller Jones Mortuary is located at 26855-A Jefferson Avenue, Murrieta, CA 92546 (https://www.miller-jones.com/contact-us/murrieta-location). A Catholic Mass service will be held on July 19, 2019, at St. Martha Catholic Church in Murrieta, CA at 10:00 AM. St. Martha Catholic Church is located at 37200 Whitewood Road, Murrieta, CA 92563-5040 (http://www.stmarthamurr.com/). Interment will be at Oak Hills Memorial Park in Escondido, CA; date and time is pending.