Vale: Thomas Francis Lavelle

Thomas Francis Lavelle passed peacefully on 17th of November, 2023 aged 87 years.

Devoted husband to Rosemary, beloved Dad to his nine children and Pa to his twenty-one grandchildren.

Born in Newcastle, Tom spent his early years in the Hunter, attending St Joseph’s Aberdeen for some years as a boarder after the death of his mother when he was seven. He worked on various farms around the district before enlisting in the RAAF and later training as a Licensed Aircraft Engineer.

After marrying in Wagga, Tom and Rosemary decided to return to Scone in 1964 as his family history in the town dates back seven generations. Tom worked for Pays Air Service for over a decade, for Flints Farm Supplies, and later for Bayswater Colliery, while Rosemary continued her teaching career at several local schools.

Tom and Rosemary built their home in Guernsey Street where they have lived for 53 years, raising their family and serving both the Scone community and St. Mary’s Catholic Parish.

Tom served in various roles such as Aero Club President, Coach of Junior Rugby, and was a member of Men’s Shed & Scone RSL. A man of action, Tom’s love of both flying and sailing was strong throughout his life, leading to many adventures for the family.

Tom was Rosemary’s principal carer for many years as her Alzheimer’s progressed. In the last few years, as Tom struggled with several health crises, they were able to remain in their own home with the assistance of the wonderful team of Hammond Care at Home support workers until Rosemary moved into care at Segenhoe Cottage earlier this year. Tom’s devotion to his wife’s care over many years was matched by the dedication and love shown by the team of Hammond Care and Elderwise.

After repeated hospitalisations and time being cared for on the Central Coast with his family, Tom entered respite care at Strathearn House in his final weeks, passing away peacefully supported by his family and the wonderful staff of Barrington Cottage. Tom’s family gratefully acknowledge the dedication, care and love shown to both Tom and Rosemary by Dr. Sandra Khine, and all the staff at Strathhearn Village, Scone Medical Practice and Scone Discount Pharmacy as well as the spiritual care and brotherly love provided by Father Graham Fullick, Father Raphael and Peter Blake.

Tom’s funeral will commence at 1pm on Friday, 24th November, 2023 at St Mary’s Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Park St Scone. A graveside service will follow at Scone Catholic Lawn Cemetery.