Chief Thomas Perkins and the Wenham Police Department regretfully announce the passing of retired Capt. Jeffrey Tobey.
Capt. Tobey retired from the Wenham Police Department in 2017 following 32 years of service to the community and, for the last three years, had been battling kidney cancer. He succumbed to the disease on Saturday, April 18, with his family at his side.
He is survived by his sister Joanne Lindner and brother-in-law Bernie Lindner, his brother Richard and sister-in-law Mary Ellen Tobey, as well as his nieces and nephews, Melissa and Julie Lindner, Gregory and Cassie Tobey, Lauren and Jason Kreamer and Brendan Tobey.
Capt. Tobey grew up in Lynn and attended Lynn Vocational and Technical High School, graduating in 1979. He received his degree in Criminal Justice from Curry College in 2003. He worked at Union Carbide in Lynn before following his passion for law enforcement, beginning his career with the Wenham Police Department in 1985. He spent his career in Wenham starting as an auxiliary officer, rising to the rank of Captain in 2012 before retiring in 2017.
“Jeff was a valued member of our department who made numerous contributions over more than two decades of service to people of Wenham,” Chief Perkins said. “Those of us who worked alongside him throughout our careers are grateful for having had the opportunity to do so, and we’re all thinking of his family during this difficult time.”
In 2019 Tobey was chosen by his oncology team at Dana Farber Cancer Institute to be a hero for the Dana Farber Jimmy Fund walk.
He enjoyed all sports, both as a spectator cheering on his nephews and nieces and when playing a round of golf with friends. Jeff was the ultimate host for many football parties at his home over the years.
He will be remembered as a compassionate individual who had kind words for everyone and made the best of a situation. He touched a lot of lives and will always be remembered in stories that will be shared among family and friends, and his spirit will live on because Jeff was “simply the best.”
Donations in Tobey’s memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.
Adhering to the guidelines of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the CDC Funeral Services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Solimine Funeral Home, Lynn. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.