Thomas R. Hartigan, 91, entered peacefully into eternal life on June 13, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was surrounded by the love of his family and sustained by the faith that guided him throughout his life.
Tom is survived by his daughter, Noreen Richardson and her husband, Ben Richardson, of Mendon, Massachusetts, and his son, Tim Hartigan of Townsend, Massachusetts. He leaves six grandchildren, Bridget, Timothy, Michael, NaTalia, Jasmine, and Trevor, and five beloved great-grandchildren, Ariana, Olivia, Lily, Nico, and Chase. He is also survived by his sister, Brenda; his sister-in-law, Judy; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife of 53 years, Marilyn R. Hartigan; his son, Glen Hartigan; his granddaughter, Katlyn Hartigan; and his siblings, Francis X. Hartigan and Maura J. Alexander.
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1935 to the late Thomas and May (Horgan) Hartigan, Tom graduated from Sacred Heart High School, Class of 1953. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, and later continued his education at Providence College and Loyola University, earning a Master's Degree in Education.
A lifelong Catholic, Tom lived his faith through worship and service to others. As a teacher and administrator, he embraced his roles as Dean of Students at Notre Dame High School and Principal of St. Joseph School, both in Fitchburg. Tom viewed his work in education as a ministry and considered it a privilege to guide young people in both learning and character.
Among Tom's greatest gifts was his ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and heard. He approached others with humility, generosity, and genuine care. He believed Christian life should be marked by joy, and he loved gathering with family and friends, sharing stories, and making people laugh. Tom embraced life with gratitude and curiosity, and found God's presence in both everyday moments and in many adventures. His warm smile, quick Irish wit, and wonderful sense of humor will be deeply missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, Upton, Massachusetts, on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be held privately at St. Michael's Cemetery in Springfield, Massachusetts, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Worcester County Food Bank.