Thomas Vaughan

Thomas Hugh Vaughan, 69, of New Philadelphia was “Knockin’ at Heaven’s Door,” which opened
Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. His wife Brenda was at his side as he found eternal rest after a fierce, brief fight
with lymphoma.

He was a son of the late Joseph R. and Genevieve Marshall Vaughan, and was born Dec. 23, 1953, in
Quincy, Ill. The importance of family, faith and friends were instilled in Tom (Tommy to his family).
When he was little, he told a classmate, “This is my mother. Isn’t she the most beautiful woman in the
world?”

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in New Philadelphia, a 1972 graduate of New
Philadelphia High School and former director of operations of New Towne Mall. In high school he began
jamming with friends and learning to play guitar with the help of George Tsantis and Robert Gibbs – and
LP records pilfered from his sister. Tommy gave his beginner guitars to his younger brothers Danny and
Mike and taught them the basics in the heyday of the Beatles and classic rock.

He played lead and rhythm guitar and sang lead and backup vocals, eventually founding the Vaughan
Brothers Band in 1979, which included Jim Knisely on drums. The group, whose drummer is now Ray
McAbier, plays rock, blues, country and Irish tunes. Many wonderful memories were made during those
decades of playing together, often at benefit events for friends and charitable causes. Tommy took
pride in making his own guitar, and shared his talent with his grandchildren.

In 2004 the Vaughan Brothers, including David Vaughan, were named grand marshals of the annual St.
Paddy’s Day parade in New Philadelphia, an honor their father held in 1990. They also took the stage at
the huge Vaughan family reunion held every five years in Omaha, Neb., and along with many relatives
shared their Irish heritage.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph T. “Joey;” his sisters and
brothers-in-law, Maureen and Gary Hess and Rita and Robert Miller; and his father- and mother-in-law,
Kenny and Mary Anne Neff.

Tom is survived by his wife, the former Brenda Neff, whom he married June 23, 2000; his children,
Brian (Stacey) Vaughan of Philadelphia, Pa., and Leslie (Jason) Miller of New Philadelphia; his
grandchildren, Zack and Samantha Vaughan, and Julia and Jesse Miller; his siblings, John (Joyce)
Vaughan, Annette Vaughan, Jim (Jeanne) Vaughan, Pat (Donna) Vaughan, Katherine (Tim) Ellwood,
David (Marci) Vaughan, Jeannie (Dave) DiDonato, Mike (Kathy) Vaughan, Danny (Marcia) Vaughan and
Mark (Jennifer) Vaughan; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Fred (Gina) Neff and Rodney (Linda) Neff; his
former wife, Marsha Byers Mills; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, especially Danny Bishop of
Omaha.

Calling hours will be held Monday, Feb. 20 – the wedding anniversary of his parents – from 10:30 to
12:30 in Sacred Heart Church , where Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Memorials may be made to
Sacred Heart Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.