Thomas Lyons was born on September 26, 1923, in Washington, D.C.[1] He attended graduated from St. Charles College High School in Catonsville, Maryland.
[1] After his ordination, Lyons served as an assistant pastor at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland.
[2] Lyons was named director of education for the archdiocesan schools in 1964, holding that post until his appointment as bishop.
[2] He frequently made surprise visits to Catholic schools in the archdiocese, storing a basketball in the trunk of his car for pickup games.
[2][3] Lyons was included on a list of priests credibly accused of Sexual Abuse released by the Archdioceses of Washington on October 15, 2018.