It is with deep sorrow, profound love, and cherished memories that the family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved patriarch, Thomas Edward Lynch, 94, of Scaggsville, Maryland. Tom passed away on June 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at his home.

Born on December 13, 1931, at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., Tom was the beloved son of John Joseph and Mary Angela Lynch. One of seven children, he graduated from Gonzaga College High School in 1949 before enrolling at Georgetown University. He interrupted his studies to serve honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was later awarded the Combat Action Ribbon. Tom lived the Marine Corps motto “Semper Fidelis” throughout his life, maintaining a steadfast commitment to our nation, the Corps, and his fellow Marines. After his service, he returned to Georgetown and earned his degree in 1957.

The following year, on June 14, 1958, Tom married his beloved wife, Mary, in Larchmont, New York. Together they raised six of the most well behaved children anyone could ask for —Caryn, Tommy, Katy, Mary, Michael and Ann. The couple spent their early married years in the Georgetown area before settling in Scaggsville, Maryland in 1962 to be near Tom’s growing business.

In the early 1960s, Tom and his close friend Bob Bell, both working for Ford Motor Company, purchased Academy Garage in downtown Laurel and renamed it Academy Ford. They later built a modern dealership further up Route 1, where it continues to thrive today. In 1978, the partners amicably divided the business and Tom became sole owner of Academy Ford. He built his legacy on hard work, exceptional customer service, and unwavering ethical practices—principles that remain the foundation of the dealership today.

Outside of work, Tom cherished weekends at Fenwick Island, Delaware, and especially Piney Point, Maryland. His affection for Piney Point began in childhood during family summers spent there with his mother, siblings, and cousins. He lovingly carried on that tradition, sharing the special place with his children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren. The annual Fourth of July family reunion was the highlight of the year, often gathering four generations for celebration and joy. Tom was famous for his “secret” cucumber recipe—frequently requested but always denied. By popular demand, it will be shared with guests at his services (and no, contrary to his longtime joke, it will not be found in his left shoe inside the casket.)

Tom’s deep faith was evident in his lifelong devotion to Saint Louis Catholic Church in Clarksville, Maryland, where he served as a dedicated usher for many years—first at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass and later at the 4 p.m. Saturday service. A passionate, if often frustrated, Washington Redskins fan since childhood, he attended games at RFK Stadium and later in Landover, MD. He was also a loyal Baltimore Orioles supporter, frequently enjoying games at Camden Yards with family and friends.

Tom’s generosity and kindness shone through his charitable support of many organizations, including his alma mater Gonzaga College High School and the Marine Corps Association, as well as local causes such as the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, Saint Vincent Pallotti High School, First Generation College Bound organization and Saint Louis Church.

Tom is survived by his six children: Caryn Lynch Bacon (Jeff), Thomas Edward Lynch, Jr. (Sue Ellen), Kathryn O’Donnell Lynch, Mary Hanlon Lynch (Vincent), Michael Hayes Lynch (Melanie), and Ann Dennisten Lynch; nine grandchildren: Patrick Hayes Bacon (Rose), Keith Lynch Bacon, MaryClaire Bacon Taylor (Kyle), Emma Kate Bacon, Tyler James Ward (Christina), Ryan Thomas Lynch, Sara Hayes Lynch, Kyle Thomas Galinat (Melissa), and Andrew Carl Galinat; and seven great-grandchildren: Camden Hayes Taylor, Lainey June Taylor, Jonathan Joseph Bacon, Benjamin Hayes Bacon, Maverick James Ward, Charlotte Renee Ward, and Layla Jane Gibson. He is also survived by his youngest sister, Kay (Tom) Inglesby, along with a vast extended family and countless friends who hold dear their fond memories of him. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 57 years, Mary, his parents, and five siblings.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate team at Caring Kings LLC—especially Emily, Shirley, Shanice, Jenny, Rachelle, Paul, and Yassi aka “Yahtzee” by Tom —for the exceptional care and comfort they provided Tom every day.

Those who knew Tom will always remember his warm, signature question: “Will you be my friend?” He had a remarkable gift for turning strangers into friends and his home was always open and welcoming. The family invites all of Tom’s friends and loved ones to join them for visitation on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. at Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A., 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Saint Louis Catholic Church, 12500 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029. Burial will follow immediately at Saint Louis Church Cemetery on Ten Oaks Road, with a reception to follow at Ten Oaks Hall, 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029, where all are invited to share lunch and Words of Remembrance of Tom.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tom’s memory to the Marine Corps Association or Gonzaga College High School, Class of 1949 

If floral tributes are the desired option, the family suggests Wildflower Stem and Sundry, 11815 West Market Place, Suite C, Fulton, MD 20759, (301) 264-7790.