Jeffrey Thomas Tidd

Jeffrey Thomas Tidd left us unexpectedly on the evening of June 9, 2024. Prior to his untimely departure, he thoughtfully took care of his family, as was always his priority, making sure the pool was ready, the lawn was mowed, and the fridge was full. He is survived by his wife, and best friend of 27 years, Kristin Carlson, his sons Jesse and Finn, his mother Elaine (Al Irby), sister Kim (Patrick Harrington), and brothers Greg (Sherry Bergeron) and Mark (Bridget), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Gregory Tidd Sr.

Jeff was born in Providence, RI to Elaine and Gregory Tidd Sr. He was educated in Smithfield schools, and graduated from LaSalle Academy in Providence. He went on to receive his Bachelors degree from Assumption College and Graduate degree from Antioch University.

Growing up in Rhode Island, Jeff was in constant motion “with the devil in his eye” and a dog by his side. He played any sport he could and mastered them all. As the oldest of four siblings, he took his role seriously, mainly as the instigator of mischief with the primary goal of creating memories. He carried these attributes throughout his entire life, always ensuring that family came first. In 1997, he married the love of his life, Kristin. Together, they raised their sons Jesse and Finn in Portland, Maine. His passion for his family was unmatched, being a phenomenal father, a steadfast and unwavering partner to Kristin, and a selfless son, brother, and uncle.

Every summer, Jeff would take his sons, their friends, and cousins to Evergreen Cemetery to catch frogs and turtles. So determined to always make a catch, Jeff once shimmied out onto a log to get that perfect turtle, falling and breaking his ribs in the process. Always the jokester, Jeff told the children a snapping turtle had taken a bite out of him. This turned into a great appreciation of wildlife that still lives on in his son Jesse.

Jeff loved soccer, baseball, and coaching his sons. Two of the best moments in his life were coaching both of his sons on the same baseball team and winning the City Championship, and coaching Finn in the Babe Ruth Baseball Regionals in Connecticut. In Finn’s words, “he always got me going and never let me give up.”

Jeff was a well-respected and gifted therapist who cared deeply for families and people of all ages. He was at his best when he was serving others. Beyond his clients, he was a father figure to many, and he provided care and support for his friends, neighbors, and community. It was not uncommon for him to drop everything he was doing to provide help for another.

Jeff was steadfastly dedicated to his community. He was thoroughly entrenched in the youth sports programs in Portland. Beyond his coaching (from T-Ball to Babe Ruth, from Paysa to club soccer), you could often find him either mowing the fields, putting up a batting cage, or running drills with neighborhood children. He would ensure that every child had a ride, a meal, a bottle of water, and the right equipment.

Jeff was an avid runner, first running the last five miles of the Boston Marathon with his Uncle Joe in memory of his Uncle Peter when he was eleven years old. Later as an adult, he started running again, quickly advancing to competitive running, completing numerous marathons and hundreds of road races. He pushed his fellow runners to excel, commonly telling them to “lace em up!”

Jeff loved to gather people together. It was common knowledge that the Tidd House was open to all, and many invitations were extended for BBQs and parties (at times without Kristin’s knowledge). Many can attest to being welcomed to the Tidd House, and inevitably and unfortunately being subjected to Jeff’s grilling skills.

Jeff loved rituals and tradition. It is impossible to pay homage to them all. But annual summer family vacations on the Cape were a highlight. Jeff loved sharks and the recent increase in the shark population on the Cape was celebrated through incessant viewings of the movie “Jaws”. Jeff and his siblings entertained us all by quoting every line.

As his family and friends know, Jeff relished and savored his time in the shower. For Jeff, a shower was a transition. It was a way to wind down, to feel better, or to prepare for the next activity. It worked so well for him that “go take a hot shower” was his suggestion for everyone. It is not lost on us that as Jeff was preparing to transition from this world, he was getting ready to take a shower.

Although Jeff believed in others more than he believed in himself, he was a great man, one of a kind, and irreplaceable.

“And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light that shines on me. Shine on till tomorrow, let it be.”

Friends and family are invited to a time of visitation on Friday June 21, 2024 from 4 pm - 6 pm at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home 199 Woodford Street Portland, Maine.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to leave condolences for the Tidd family and sign Jeff's online guest book.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Portland Area Youth Soccer Association (PAYSA) or a charity of your choice.