Thomas Brent Childs

Thomas Brent Childs

1963 – 2026

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of Tom Childs, age 63, of Franklin Massachusetts, on November 7, 2026. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family after a brave fight against glioblastoma.

Born on January 3rd, 1963, in Cheverly Maryland to Rudolph and Cynda Childs, Tom grew up with his two brothers and four sisters in a Catholic household. During his childhood, the family moved to Massachusetts and established roots in Rockland.

After graduating from Rockland High School, Tom attended Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston MA earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. For over 40 years, he worked in construction project management for multiple companies including Gilbane Building company, Suffolk Construction, Perini International, and Harvard School of Architecture and Design. He later went on to obtain his real estate license as well. He ended his career working for Integrated Builders in Braintree MA for the last 9 years. He was known by colleagues for his passion, extensive knowledge, strong work ethic and leadership qualities.

Beyond his career, Tom was a man of great passion for music. He began bagpiping around age 10. Tapping into his talent, Tom went on to compete and be a part of numerous pipe bands across New England throughout his life such as the Colonial Pipers based in Rockland MA, Clan Sutherland Pipe Band, Castle Island Pipe Band, Worcester Kilties, and Catamount Pipe Band in Vermont to name a few. In addition, he taught the art of bagpiping to many individuals as well as local fire and police bands.

Tom was fascinated by history and was quite the genealogist. He traced the Childs family lineage back to the pre-American Revolutionary War era. Through his research, he helped re-connect distant Childs' families from across the country. He played the fife and was a reenactor with the Sudbury Ancient Fyfe and Drum Companie. Tom was also a member of the Wampatuck Masonic Lodge and The Sons of the American Revolution.

He was a very devoted and proud father to Victoria and Bennett. He instilled in them his love for the outdoors and the mountains. Tom, his wife Lisa, and their dog Rosebud enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their second home in Berlin, NH.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Lisa Vicario, his daughter Victoria Childs, his son Bennett Childs, his parents Rudolph and Cynda Childs, sister Vicky Childs Deibel, brother Rudolph Childs and his wife Lori Childs, sister Vivien Anastasi, sister Susan Huntress and her husband Dave Huntress, brother Joseph Childs and his wife Heather Childs, sister Maryellen Vega and her husband Louie Vega and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister Eleanor Childs.

The wake will be held at the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St.in Franklin MA on November 20th, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. 

A service to celebrate his life will be held on November 21st 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Parish located at 1 Church Square, Franklin MA.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to cancer research organizations such as Glioblastoma Research Organization, Glioblastoma Foundation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Musella Foundation.

May Tom’s incredible spirit live on in all of us.

Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com