Thomas E. Gately, Jr. of Woburn formerly of Wilmington passed away peacefully in his home, January 9, 2016, one day shy of his 65th birthday, following a three year courageous battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Charlene R. (Janerico) and together they shared nearly 45 years of marriage. Born in Woburn he was the son of the late Thomas E. and Theresa P. (Flaherty) Gately

Tom was born and raised in Woburn and attended St. Charles Grammar School and was a 1968 graduate of Woburn High School. He served for six years with the Massachusetts Army National Guard. Tom was a talented automotive mechanic by trade. For many years prior to his retirement he taught his craft as a vocational teacher at Shawsheen Tech, Wakefield Vocational High School and at Everett High School. He loved to teach and share his knowledge with his students.

Tom was a real hands-on kind of guy and loved fixing things himself. There was no job to big or small for him to tackle. Mostly devoted to his loving family, Tom enjoyed and cherished spending time with his wife and children. He especially cherished his role as a grandfather and was great with the kids. He will be sadly missed. Tom also enjoyed reading and traveling. Together with his beloved wife, Charlene, they enjoyed going on many cruises over the years and taking trips to Aruba and Bermuda.

Tom is survived by his wife and their children; Charlene Gately, Melissa Henry and her husband Dwayne, all of Woburn, Krisinda D'Allesandro and her husband Vinny, and Thomas Gately, all of Billerica. He was the loving grandfather of Scott Davis, Amanda Ganley, Adam Murphy, Megan Ganley, Chad Murphy and Chaveah Gately. Brother of Theresa DaCosta and her husband Anthony of Woburn, and the late Robert Gately. He is also survived by several loving aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Thursday, January 14th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 280 Main St., Woburn, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home will be held on Wednesday from 3 thru 7 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Tom's memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226.