Thomas W. Blessing Jr., 75, of Rehoboth, son of the late Thomas, Sr. and Ruth (Babcock) Blessing, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Providence, RI, and raised on Anna Maria Island along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tom made his way back to Rhode Island at age 16 where, not long after, he met Millie, his wife and partner of 52 years.
A true child of the ’60s, Tom embraced the spirit of the era wholeheartedly—he was at Woodstock in 1969 and carried that easygoing, music-loving vibe with him throughout his life. Tom loved going to concerts and saw many of his favorite artists live, including Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Jethro Tull, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and many others. Later in life, he became a big fan of country music and, to everyone’s surprise, also a fan of K-Pop music artist Black Pink.
As a profession, he was a journeyman toolmaker and also took great pride in the home he helped design and build on Rocky Hill Road, where he lived for 47 years, a place that became a warm and welcoming hub for family and friends throughout the years. You could usually find him in his garage being a mad scientist tinkering on various projects alongside his cherished Chevy Siliverados. On the coldest nights, you could count on walking into our house made warm by the roaring fire in his beloved fieldstone fireplace. And if you stayed long enough, chances were good you’d find him enjoying Oreos, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or a raspberry Danish.
His second favorite place, after home, was the beach, enjoying many summer days on Narragansett and Scarborough Beach. He was also a lifelong sports enthusiast. In his younger days, Tom loved to surf, ride horses, play baseball and ice hockey, especially on Perryville Pond in Rehoboth. He cheered faithfully for the Boston Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins, and Patriots. He was also a longtime baseball coach for Rehoboth Youth Baseball Association.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Millie, his beloved daughter, Kristen, and her husband, Cedric, of Rehoboth, his son, Thomas, and his wife, Meghan, of North Kingstown, and his cherished grandchildren, Jayden, Cassidy, Finley, and Saylor. He also leaves his brother, Dennis Blessing; his brothers-in-law and sisters in-law, Terri and Gary Venditto, Ann Corriveau and Linwood Straight, Bill and Karen George, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
He never judged, never gossiped, gave great advice when solicited and was a vault for many secrets people had shared with him over the years. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered—preferably with good music, a warm fire, and something sweet within reach.
In keeping with Tom’s wishes, a private service will be held with immediate family and a celebration of his life will follow at a later date.
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