Thomas J. Sabbagh age 89 of Hampton, NH died Tuesday at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Portsmouth, NH with his family by his bedside.
He was born in Lawrence, MA, where he grew up and was educated, and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1944. He later attended St. Michael's College and Arizona State College.
Tom was an outstanding athlete while at Lawrence High playing baseball and football. One of his happiest memories was playing baseball for Lawrence High at the first night game under the newly installed lights at Hayden Schofield Park where he hit the first home run out of the park. Tom's love for baseball carried on with him in life as he coached Little League, High School,
College and most importantly his children and grand children's teams.
He was the very first baseball coach of the Methuen Police League, known as the Ingalls.
Tom was a World War II veteran, having served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He received the World War II Victory Medal, American Theater Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal.
Tom was in senior management for Beneficial Finance Co. retiring after 35 years. He was a member and Past President of the Methuen Salem Rotary, where he was the proud recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Methuen Council 4027. He attended St. Monica's Church. Tom and his wife were residents of Methuen for 35 years. Upon retirement he and his wife moved to Hampton NH and spent winters as residents of New Port Richey Florida. Tom became an avid golfer during his retirement developing numerous long lasting friendships during his years of league play in Florida.
Tom was the son of the late Nadra and Rose (Ellis) Sabbagh. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years Marjorie A. (Lagasse) Sabbagh, a brother Nadra "Ned" Sabbagh, a sister Irene Beshara, and a grandson Thomas G. Sabbagh Jr, He is survived by: Sons: Thomas G. Sabbagh and John and his wife Patrice Sabbagh, Daughter: Judith A. and her husband Terrence C. Scannell, Brother: Michael Sabbagh, Granddaughters: Jennifer Sabbagh, Alicia and her husband Sherick Jansen, Hillary Sabbagh and Terrena Scannell, Several Nieces and Nephews. Tom will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His greatest joy was his 4 granddaughters and his grandson Tommy.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, December 1st at 11 AM at St. Monica's Church, Methuen, MA. Burial will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence, MA. Calling hours will be Monday, Nov. 30th 4:00 PM to 8 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral, Home, 233 Lawrence St, Methuen MA.
For directions and online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website at www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral home is honored to serve the Sabbagh Family.