Thomas Hamilton, Jr.

MILLBURY - Thomas A. Hamilton Jr., 92, died on Saturday, Dec. 26th in his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness. Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Patricia M. (Donohue) Hamilton. He leaves three sons, Thomas P. Hamilton and his wife Susan of South Windsor, CT, Robert J. Hamilton and his wife Jody Barron of Framingham, and Brian J. Hamilton and his wife Debra of Douglas; three daughters, Mary Hamilton Johnson and her husband Richard of Braintree, Eileen M. Hamilton of Millbury, and Monica Hamilton McCarthy and her husband Patrick of Auburn. Tom also leaves seven grandchildren, Rachel Siok (Andrew), Monica L. Hamilton (Frank Fort), Julia Hamilton, Robert Johnson (Brenna Kearns), Elizabeth Johnson, Lily Hamilton, and Jake Hamilton, and four great grandchildren, Theo, Vivienne, and Annika Siok, and Charlie Fort-Hamilton. In addition, Tom leaves his brother Richard F. Hamilton, his sister Mary J. Mart and her husband Michael, his brother-in-law William Mallio, sisters-in-law Ann Donohue and Ellen Donohue, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was born in Clinton, and was predeceased by his parents, Thomas A. Hamilton, Sr., and Mary (McDonald) Hamilton, his sister Nancy Hamilton Mallio, brothers-in-law Harry Shaughnessy, Glynn Poff, Dr. Robert Donohue, and Judge James Donohue, and sisters-in-law Mary Shaughnessy, Helen Poff, Betty Donohue, and Marie Hamilton.

Tom graduated from Millbury Memorial High School in 1946, where he served as class president and captain of the football team. He was a proud 1950 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, and kept up his Crusader ties for the rest of his life. Tom was a beloved high school English, Humanities, and Filmmaking teacher in Millbury and Framingham for over 40 years. After his first semester of teaching at Millbury Memorial High School, Tom entered the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. Tom made some of his best lifelong friends in the Army, and after his service resumed his teaching career. While studying for his Masters of Education at Worcester State University, he met fellow grad student Patricia, the love of his life, whom he wed in 1954. Tom served the parish of St. Brigid for most of his life, first as an altar boy in his youth, and later as a CCD teacher, lector, usher, and in other volunteer capacities. After his retirement from teaching in Framingham in 1993, Tom pursued his love of history and sports, including as a member of the Millbury Historical Society and a founding member of the Millbury High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. A lifelong fan of Boston sports, Tom enjoyed reading and writing stories, maintaining the family history and genealogy, and encouraging the adventures of all his family members. Always ready to welcome visitors with a kind word and a smile, Tom would send them off with a simple blessing: 'Be safe; be well.'  Above all, Tom was kind, gentlemanly, considerate, and caring, and he will be deeply missed by his many family members and friends.

Family and friends will honor and remember Thomas’ life by attending his funeral service, at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31st, in St. Brigid Church, 59 N. Main St. in Millbury.

Prior to his funeral service, there will be a calling hour from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Guidelines regarding masks, capacity, and social distancing will be in place.

Because of safety guidelines, the burial will be private in St. Brigid’s Cemetery in Millbury.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Brigid Church, 59 Main St., Millbury, MA 01527.