Thomas Edward Kane
October 26, 1937 – November 9, 2025

Thomas Edward Kane, 88, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born on October 26, 1937, in Lake Como, Pennsylvania, Tommy's parents, Thomas Benedict Kane "Daddy Kane" and Faith (Whipple) Kane "Mama Kane", moved him and his sisters to Ormond Beach in 1951. Eventually, Tommy would find his forever home in New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater, where he spent over six decades surrounded by friends and family.

After graduating from Mainland High School in 1957, Tommy went on to proudly serve his country as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army. After completing his service honorably, Tommy built a long and dedicated career with Florida Power & Light, where he worked for over 33 years. Never one to sit still, he also channeled his passion for cars into a unique venture — co-founding Automotive Innovations with his friend Ronnie Wharton. Together, they made a name for themselves designing and building the famous "Pop Top Beer Can Cars" for breweries across the country in the late 1970s and well into the 1980s.

Tommy was a lifelong auto enthusiast, happiest when behind the wheel of his beloved 1957 Thunderbird. He loved to share stories about his projects, his adventures, and the people he met along the way. His warmth, humor, and knack for conversation left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Forever the storyteller, Tommy cherished sharing stories from his youth ---from his days growing up on the family dairy farm in Pennsylvania to his time working at the first beach concession stand on Ormond Beach, founded and built by his father.

Tommy's greatest pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his daughter Melissa Kane and son Kenny Kane (Lisa); four grandchildren — Kaitlin (Eric) Williams, Dustin (Carissa) Curlee, Lyndsay (Zach) McBride, and Kyle (Megan) Kane; and seven great-grandchildren — Dawson and Everett Williams, Lillian and Camellia Curlee, Harper and Mabel McBride, and Nora Kane.

The only son among seven sisters, Tommy held a special place in his family. He is survived by six sisters — Claire Gay, Caroline Porter, Mary Lou (Michael) McCumber, Dixie Hanstine, Dolly (Gary) Wilson, and Loretta (Glen) Vaughn — and was recently preceded in death by his eldest sister, Patricia Crawford. He is also survived by a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tommy will be remembered for his kind heart, his adventurous spirit, and his deep love for family. He taught by example — to work hard, dream big, and never lose your sense of humor. His stories, laughter, and legacy will continue to live on in all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org .

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 12:30PM at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona (1423 Bellevue Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114) followed by a celebration of life at 1:30PM. Inurnment to follow at Daytona Memorial Park.