Thomas Beall

Thomas Beall, aged 64, died at Rhode Island Hospital on Feb. 19, 2026. Teacher, scholar, music lover, book collector, science fiction aficionado, and above all, a proud naval officer, Tom will be deeply missed. Born in Michigan, Tom attended the University of Detroit Jesuit High School in Detroit, where he first learned the Jesuit concept of “Men for Others” that became a touchpoint all his adult life. He graduated from the University of Michigan ROTC program with a B.A. in History and immediately embarked on his 25-year naval career. He met and married his beloved wife, Linda, in the early years of his service. Together they enjoyed the adventures of many military moves, including one tour overseas in Bahrain. They loved their time in New England and decided to settle here permanently. After retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2008, Tom attended the University of RI, where he was certified as a high school teacher. He went on to teach math at the Paul Cuffee School in Providence for seven years and then did a bit of substitute teaching until declining health forced him to retire. Ever the lifelong learner, Tom made use of every penny of his GI Bill benefits plus more! He earned three master’s degrees in his lifetime, from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA (Operations Research), the Naval War College (National Security and Strategic Studies), and Norwich University in Vermont (Military History), and most recently was proud to finish a Ph.D. in International Relations from Salve Regina University in 2023. He enjoyed writing and had numerous articles published in military and history publications. Tom was a long-time member of Channing Memorial Church in Newport, where he served a term as president of the board and volunteered in many other capacities. He volunteered time to several other organizations over the years, including the Artillery Company of Newport, East Bay Citizens for Peace, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. In addition to his wife Linda, Tom is survived by his mother, Eugenie Beall; two brothers, Stephen Beall and Jim Beall (Kathy Dakosty); his sister Mary Beall (John Rivard); three nephews, George and Charlie Beall and James Rivard; his brother-in-law, Larry Berg (Teri); and cousins. He also was a devoted cat dad to Jenny, Jackson, Noor, and Patches over the years. Tom was preceded in death by his father, James Beall, and a sister-in-law, Judith Beall. A celebration of life service will be held at Channing Memorial Church in the spring – date to be determined.

Thomas Beall

February 19, 2026