Thomas Michael Regan, age 89, of Mystic, CT, formerly of Jamesport NY and Wappingers Falls, NY died peacefully on March 15 after a short illness. He was the loving and devoted husband of the late Ruth Margaret (Allison) Regan to whom he had been married for sixty five years.
He is survived by two sons, Thomas Jr. of Marblehead MA, his wife Carol, and their children Julie, Andrew, and Scott; and Dennis of Mystic CT, his companion Teresa Perugini, and his daughter Leah Beth (LB). He is also survived by sisters Beverly Lombardo and her husband Harry of West Hempstead, NY, Jackie Blanchard of Aurora CO, and a brother Christopher and his wife Carolyn.
He was born and raised in Richmond Hill, Queens, NY and worked in management for his entire forty year career at Western Electric and other AT&T companies. During World War II he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army, stationed in the Persian Gulf installing and maintaining telephone lines along this important supply route.
Service to others and volunteering was a lifelong commitment of Tom’s. During his younger years, in Wappingers Falls, NY, he was a baseball coach for his boys, Boy Scout leader, and town Little League President. Tom was dedicated family man and proud of the accomplishments of his family. He seldom missed an opportunity to see his children or grandchildren participate in life events. Tom had a passion to make sure he attended as many graduation ceremonies, school track meets, soccer games, choral productions and theater presentations his children and grandchildren were involved in. In his retirement years he was a regular volunteer at local road races and a team captain with the Connecticut Special Olympics. He was a devoted caregiver for his wife Ruth over the many years she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. After Ruth passed away, Tom continued to volunteer four days a week at the Mystic Manor Nursing Home and the Pawcatuck Neighbor Center until after his 89th birthday. Especially in his later years he took a special interest in serving and reaching out to others with his own sense of humor. During his illness he sorely missed gathering with his group of “old-timers” at the Mystic Dunkin Donuts.
Tom took pride in his resourcefulness and ability to learn to do things himself. Whether it was planting and harvesting his vegetable garden, becoming a proficient boater and fisherman, or designing and building a new kitchen or garage addition, he seemed to always accomplish what he set out to do.
A life-long passion of his was following his home town sports teams. Growing up in New York, the Yankees and Giants were his favorites. After moving to Connecticut, he also adopted the University of Connecticut men’s and woman’s basketball teams.
Tom’s family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Thursday from 12noon – 12:45pm, followed by a service at 1pm.
Contributions in his memory may be made to The Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, 27 Chase St., Pawcatuck, CT 06379.
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