News Summary
Dr. Thomas K. Shahinian, a cherished physician and family man from Carlisle, has passed away at the age of 85. He leaves behind his two daughters and four grandchildren. Known for his compassionate care and dedication to his family, Dr. Shahinian’s legacy will be honored during a Mass of Christian Burial. His career spanned nearly five decades in the medical field, and he made a significant impact on both his patients and community.
Carlisle, Massachusetts – Dr. Thomas K. Shahinian, MD, a beloved physician and esteemed family man, passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 85. He was a longstanding resident of Carlisle, having previously lived in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Dr. Shahinian’s legacy as a caring doctor and devoted family leader will be cherished both in the medical community and by his family.
Dr. Shahinian is survived by his daughters, Bethany Ann Richman and Karen Ann Shahinian, as well as four grandchildren, Samuel Thomas, Lily Ann, Jack Thomas, and William Thomas. He was predeceased by his wife of fifty-eight years, Ann Gail Shahinian (Scacciotti), with whom he shared a deep and loving partnership.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Dr. Shahinian was raised in the Smith Hill neighborhood by his parents, Karekin and Arshalous Shahinian. His education includes a graduation from Hope High School and Providence College, where he cultivated a keen interest in understanding how things work. This inquisitive nature prompted him to pursue a medical degree at the University of Bologna Medical School in Italy, allowing him to become fluent in Italian while immersing himself in the rich culture.
In 1966, Dr. Shahinian married Ann Gail, who supported him during his medical studies in Italy. Upon his return to Rhode Island, they began their family in Cranston, welcoming two daughters. Dr. Shahinian completed his surgical residency and subsequently joined Rhode Island Hospital as an attending physician. He practiced at Surgical Group, Incorporated until his retirement in 2015, dedicating nearly fifty years to patient care characterized by compassion and kindness.
During his nearly forty years in East Greenwich, Dr. Shahinian became known for his fierce love and quiet wisdom as a husband and father. The family enjoyed countless adventures together, from memorable road trips to family gatherings in locales such as Marco Island and Maine. His commitment to his family extended beyond traditional roles, as he took joy in sharing his interests with his grandchildren through activities like cooking, woodworking, and gardening.
In addition to being a mentor for young surgeons at Rhode Island Hospital, Dr. Shahinian held a passion for teaching, emphasizing the importance of compassionate care in medicine. His hobbies included fishing, woodworking, and gardening, with many cherished memories created during family fishing trips and time spent nurturing his garden.
After relocating to Carlisle, Dr. Shahinian continued his commute to Rhode Island Hospital for several years before fully embracing retirement. His later years were enriched with family visits and leisurely moments spent enjoying Italian television with his wife, Ann Gail.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for October 27, 2025, at Our Lady of Mercy Church in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, to honor his life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dr. Shahinian’s memory to Our Lady of Mercy School or The Sisters of Mercy, ensuring his commitment to education and community service endures.
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- East Greenwich News: Karyn Jill Hill Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Providence Journal: Obituary
- Google Search: Obituaries in East Greenwich
- Legacy: Susan Greene Obituary
- Google Scholar: Obituary notices
- East Greenwich News: Alyssa Rose McGraw Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- East Greenwich News: David Greene Obituary
- Google News: Obituaries

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