Thomas F. Kilrain, 86, of Manchester, died August 15, 2007, at Hampton Beach. He was born in Manchester, April 2, 1921, and was the son of John and Mary Ellen (Hynes) Kilrain. He was a lifelong member of St. Raphael Parish.
He attended local schools, and received his Bachelors degree from St. Anselm College in 1950. He was a veteran of the United States Army. For over 35 years he was employed by the Public Service Company.
Tom loved all sports but his first love was basketball; he played in the Army for four years, and returned to Manchester where he played for the Raphael Club team in the Manchester Club league.
For more than 30 years Mr. Kilrain was the coach of C.Y.O. basketball at St. Raphael Parish. He was a member of the American Legion, Sweeney Post #2, a lifetime member of the Raphael Club, and a member of the Ancient order of Hibernians, Rev. William Shanahan Division One, Manchester. He was a devout fan of the University of Notre Dame, and was able to see a game in South Bend a few years ago. He will be remembered as a loving, husband, father, and grandfather.
In 2006 after eighty years, Tom returned to his beloved Ireland, visiting relatives in Galway, Connamara, and Mayo. He loved all things Irish, especially the Irish music. Recently with the help of his new computer skills, Tom began exploring his family’s genealogy. He created photo albums for each family member, complete with all the photos he loved to take once anyone entered his home.
Family members include; three sons, Thomas Kilrain Jr. and wife Mary of Manchester, Michael Kilrain of Goffstown, James Kilrain and wife Helene of Manchester; two daughters, Peggy Kilrain of Manchester, Shaunna Pinard and her husband Donald of Manchester; He will be missed by his dear grandchildren, Tara Harty of Campton, Michael Kilrain Jr. of Epping, Meghan Kilrain and Matthew Kilrain of Goffstown, Thomas J. Kilrain of Rochester, Colleen Kilrain of Manchester, Kellie Bowers of Hudson, Erin Kilrain of Barre, VT, Matthew McEwen, Kate Pinard, Abby Pinard, and John Pinard, all of Manchester; His two great-grandchildren, Aidan and Maura Harty of Campton, brought him much joy; He was predeceased by his wife Mary F. kilrain in April of 2007, and one great-grandchild, Connor Kilrain,
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Saturday August 18, 2007 in St Raphael Church, 103 Walker St., Manchester.
Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery, Donald St. Bedford.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Conner P Kilrain Memorial Fund, c/o Michael Carter Linsnow, Respite Center, 112 main St., Hopkinton MA 01748.
For more information visit www.lambertfuneralhome.com