Thomas Brent - Obituary

Tommy Brent" peacefully in his home June 4, 2011. Born October 15, 1922, he was originally from Washington, DC and made his home in Matunuck, RI. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Lewis and William Dent Cheseldine; one brother, Joseph W Cheseldine (Dolly); and four sisters, Mary Madeline Florence (Brick), Elizabeth Evelyn Cheseldine, Edna Helena Sesso (Tony) and Theresa Nora Saylor (Nevin). Tommy is survived by seven nieces and nephews, Joseph E Cheseldine (Wilda), John Dominic Cheseldine (Theresa), Dennis Patrick Cheseldine (Gail), Joyce Sesso Buswell (Bill), Jean Sesso Hinson (Bruce), Joan Saylor Donnelly (Gary) and E. Marie Saylor Bostic (Mike); and 40 loving grand nieces and nephews. Tommy devoted his life to the theatre. He traveled the country following his dream, aspiring to be an actor. His passion for the theatre led him to various jobs in the theatre world from Press Agent to Director/Producer and to the seaside village he has called home since the late 1960's, Matunuck, RI. Tommy Brent became synonymous with Matunuck's Theatre By The Sea. He was responsible for saving the theatre from demolition, restoring it, obtaining its historical designation on the National Register and producing top rated musical theatre for over 20 years. Friends are invited to Tommy's Life Celebration on Saturday, June 18 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 2315 Brinkley Road, Fort Washington, MD from 10 a.m. until a Mass of Christian Burial is celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment Cedar Hill Cemetery. To honor Tommy Brent, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ocean State Theatre Co.(OSTC),c/o Aimee Turner, President, PO BOX 302, Wakefield, RI 02880 or online at http://www.theatrebythesea.com.