CHELMSFORD: Thomas Canelas, age 80, a Chelmsford resident for over 50 years, formerly of Wilmington, passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2009, at the Town & Country Nursing Center in Lowell.
He was the husband of Mary M. (Brendel) Canelas, who passed away on January 1, 2008.
Born in Wilmington on November 28, 1928, he was the son of the late Ventura R. and Mary (Silva) Canelas.
Mr. Canelas was raised in Wilmington and attended Wilmington schools.
In 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War.
He was awarded several decorations for his military service including the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars and the National Defense Service Medal.
Prior to his retirement in 1995, he was employed as a mechanic by the Massachusetts Highway Department in Needham, where he worked for almost 20 years.
He previously owned and operated Tom's Highland Gulf Service Station in Lowell.
Mr. Canelas was a communicant of St. Mary's Church of Chelmsford.
He was a member of the Chelmsford Senior Center and the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Ruocco Council # 9275
Mr. Canelas enjoyed many activities including, fishing and model building. In addition, he was an avid Boston Red Sox and New York Giants fan.
Mr. Canelas is survived by two sons, Tom Canelas, Jr. and his wife Diane (Goes) of Chelmsford and Paul Canelas and his wife Mary (Marcucci) of Hudson, NH; eight grandchildren, Sarah M. Kregling of Manchester, NH , Laura M. Farmakis of Londonderry, NH, Tina M. Kregling of Milford, CT, Hayley A. Canelas of Lunenburg, Stephanie Canelas of Chelmsford, Michael R., Nicholas P., Jacob M. and Joseph A. Canelas all of Hudson, NH; three great grandchildren, Gwenyth A. Farmakis of Manchester, NH, Haeden Canelas of Chelmsford and Alex Crane of Lunenburg; three brothers, Frank Canelas and his wife Catherine of Florida, Walter Canelas and his wife Ruth of Pelham, NH and Dennis Canelas and his wife Barbara of Rochester, NH; two sisters, Alice Motschman of Pelham, NH and Noreen Rowe and her husband Bob; also many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Canelas was the father of the late Theresa M. Kregling and brother of the late Mary Correa.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, Nov. 22nd, from 3-7 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral Monday Nov. 23rd, at 10 a.m., from the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11 O'clock at St. Mary's Church, 25 North Road, Chelmsford. Following cremation, interment services will be held Friday, Nov. 27th at 10 a.m., at the Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Kidney Foundation, 85 Astor Ave., # 2, Norwood, MA 02062 (www.kidney.org)