Thomas Scott Bainbridge

After a life well lived, Thomas Scott Bainbridge peacefully passed on September 1, 2026. Scott was born in Bryn Mawr, PA (near Philadelphia) on December 29, 1945. He was preceded in death by his parents John Keeble Bainbridge Jr and Helen Richardson Bainbridge, as well as his late dogs (Brandy, Buddy and Ace) whom always held a special place in his heart. Scott is survived by his cherished siblings, John Keeble Bainbridge III, Richardson Bainbridge, and Helen Bainbridge Ellinger, as well as his stepson Mark Brandon Meehan. (Mark is the son of Scott’s ex-wife Denise Lambe. They were married for 22 years). Scott also has numerous nieces, nephews and friends, who cherish their memories of him.

After graduating high school, Scott attended Tarkio College where he played football and majored in math. Following his undergraduate studies, Scott was a Captain in the US Marines and served in Vietnam. When he completed his military service, he went back to school and earned his Master’s degree in Computer Science from Penn State University. He worked for IBM and IBM affiliates for over 20 years. After his retirement from IBM, he volunteered and also worked for Habitat for Humanity. In Scott’s own words: “Hurricane Katrina prompted me to try to use my 10 years of volunteering at the Orange County (CA) affiliate to help the people in New Orleans rebuild their lives.”

Throughout his life, Scott volunteered countless hours, putting his building skills to work in service of others. He built giant dollhouses for young girls in shelters, helped create safe, affordable places for people to call home in multiple cities, led the design and construction of stormwater channels to keep pollutants from entering the Chesapeake Bay, and recycled discarded oyster shells to rebuild depleted oyster reefs and support new oyster populations in the Bay. He also repaired and adapted homes for Partners in Care to help older adults maintain their independence and engaged local students in hands-on oyster restoration projects, inspiring the next generation to care for the Chesapeake and its communities.

Scott was fond of his cars, most notably his black 1967 convertible Mustang, that he kept for most of his adult life. The Mustang was coveted by many and shared for extended periods with family members, forming the basis of many family stories.

Scott had warm eyes, an easy, friendly smile, and a generous spirit, readily sharing kind words and laughter with those around him. He cared deeply for all creatures, great and small, as well as for his family, community and the environment. He especially loved his family and his dogs, not necessarily in that order.

A few days before Scott died, Gilchrist Hospice Care organized a “Salute to Service” for Scott. Eight Vietnam veterans thanked Scott for his service and presented him with a blanket knitted in the colors of the Vietnamese flag donated by the mother of the pianist, a certificate of appreciation and a “We Honor Veterans” pin. The service culminated with an Honor salute. Several family members and friends officiated and attended the moving ceremony.

Scott’s funeral will take place at 10 AM on November 18 at the Westminster Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, PA where he will reside with his parents. If you wish to make a donation in Scott’s honor, please make it to Habitat for Humanity which was a group very dear to Scott.