Thomas F. Ring was born on November 6, 1841 in Boston, Massachusetts to Michael and Margaret Ring. He joined the family paper export business and married Elizabeth Crowley in 1867. Ring was most known for his active participation in Catholic charitable organizations. He founded the first central council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in 1888. He was also a member of the Boston Board of Overseers and other charitable organizations. Ring lectured frequently and was a prominent Catholic layman. He died on September 16, 1898 in Boston.