In Memoriam: Thomas E. Petty, 1954-2023
A 42-Year Insurance Agency Career in Massachusetts
Newburyport – Thomas E. Petty of Newburyport went home to be with The Lord on October 15, 2023, after a courageous two-year battle with Leukemia. He passed at home with the same strength, kindness, and grace with which he lived.
Tom was born December 3, 1954, in Hartford, CT, to Stanley and Jackie Petty. He grew up in Boxford, MA, before moving to Newburyport in 1979.
Tom was a 1972 graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy and a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Claremont McKenna College in California. He had a 42-year insurance agency career with over 20 years as Co-owner and President of TA Holland & Co. Ltd. in Boston, MA. He also served a term on the State Board of Directors of the Independent Insurance Agents of Massachusetts and on the Market Review Committee of Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers.
Tom found great joy living on Plum Island and particularly enjoyed sunsets over the Basin in the western sky. He cherished teaching bible study on Wednesday evenings at Hope Community Church. This group was extremely special to him. Tom enjoyed boating in the Plum Island Sound, tennis with his Tuesday night men’s doubles group, and watching sports with his family. Tom was proud of his 19+ years of sobriety.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Lynne, and their son, Nicholas; his daughter, Meredith Saccone, and husband Phillip of NY, NY; and his son, Thomas Petty, and wife, Caley of Rye, NY. He also leaves two cherished grandchildren, Lila and Wick, of Rye, NY.
He leaves his sister, Jennifer Moore, her husband Bryan of Northwood, NH, his brother Jed, his wife Lauren of Newburyport, and numerous nieces and nephews.
His brother, Timothy Petty, predeceased Tom.
A memorial service will be held at Hope Community Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, followed by a luncheon at the same location. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to The Salvation Army or Mass General Hospital for Leukemia research at massgeneral.org.
Online condolences may be left on the Daily News website.
