It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the death of Thomas G. Parris, Jr., 80, who passed away peacefully at Sarasota Memorial Hospital after months of declining health. Tom was born on January 30, 1937 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of the late Thomas and Margaret Parris, and brother of the late Margaret Anne.

He was a top ROTC graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and served in the United States Army for nearly 9 years, completing Ranger and Airborne training and serving as Captain with the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Bad Hersfeld, Germany during the Berlin Crisis. Following his service, Tom returned to the University of Pittsburgh and earned a Masters of Hospital Administration during which time he briefly dabbled in amateur boxing.

"TGP" devoted his entire civilian career to healthcare, focusing on the health of women and children. His career began in rural Homestead, PA and New York City, then Hackensack Hospital, where he would meet his future wife, Mary. Tom was recruited to the then Lying-in Hospital in Providence, where he would serve as President & CEO for 30 years and make an indelible mark on the regional and national healthcare landscape. He was known by his peers as a visionary; under his watch Lying-In was transformed from a traditional maternity hospital into Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, one of the premier comprehensive perinatal and women's health centers in the nation. In 1986, he was the driving force behind relocating the facility from Maude Street to creating a world class healthcare center on Providence's South Side.

A dynamic leader, Tom recognized the importance of strong partnerships and established relationships with Rhode Island Hospital and other providers, enabling Women & Infants to become a regionally and nationally recognized provider of care for women and newborns. In 1996, it was Tom's vision for an integrated health care system to offer a continuum of quality care that resulted in the creation of Care New England.

Tom made a lasting mark on those who worked with him. His passion and entrepreneurial spirit were contagious. If someone had an idea, he encouraged them to pursue it, and if it succeeded he gave them all the credit. He always recognized the potential of others, often seeing in them what they could not see in themselves.

Tom was an active member of the Aurora Civic Association, the University Club and Wannamoisett Country Club. He was a local civic leader, serving on numerous boards including: Roger Williams University, the Providence Country Day School, YMCA of Greater Providence, Big Brothers of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Commodores. He received countless industry and community recognitions during his illustrious career. Tom retired in ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­2004.

A longtime resident of North Attleboro, MA and East Greenwich, RI, he and "his Mary" moved to Longboat Key, FL in 2007 where he was quickly known for his generosity and kindness, always with open heart and arms to friends and strangers alike.

Tom cherished time with his family, especially vacations to his retreat in Maine and trips to the Caribbean. He provided his family unforgettable memories; go-kart riding, backyard gardening, tractor rides, cross country camping and trampolining top the list. Tom supported his family in every way possible. His love, encouragement and advice will be sorely missed.  

He spent his free time reading the Machias Daily News, cheering for the Patriots, playing chess with his grandson Brody and enjoying a burger and chips while playing Keno. Friends will remember his fierce competitiveness on the golf course and rowdy games of Liars Poker.

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary; sons John and Will, daughter, Jennifer and son-in-law, Robert. In his later years, his passion & pride revolved around his 5 grandchildren- Brody, Jordan, Matthew, Christian, and James.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am on Monday, March 27th at Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Road, Kingston, RI followed by burial at Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, RI. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2:00-5:00 pm at THE CRANSTON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME of WICKFORD, 140 West Main Street, Wickford Village, North Kingstown. Burial with military honors at RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of RI.

 

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