Wolcott – Mr. Thomas J. McAvoy, 86, passed away on Sunday, June 26, at Vitas Innovative Hospice. He was the husband of Judith M. (Nezir) McAvoy.
Tom was born in Waterbury on January 8, 1936, son of the late Thomas F. and Mary (Berry) McAvoy. Raised in Wolcott he attended local schools and was a graduate of Leavenworth High School, class of 1954. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably until his discharge. He returned home and entered the electrician’s apprenticeship program at Scovill Manufacturing. He went on to a career as a master electrician at Anamet Corporation (Anaconda American Brass) and Universal Metal Hose.
Tom cherished his time with his wife Judy and his greatest love was his family. He was an inspiration to his children and was always there to support and guide them day or night. An avid boating enthusiast Tom’s membership with the Connecticut Outboard Boating Club afforded family and friends the happiest of summer days and enjoyment on the waters of Long Island Sound and the Connecticut inland waterways.
As this activity flourished, he discovered what he found to be heaven on earth through the beautiful waters and scenery on New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee. This inevitably became his favorite and lifelong vacation retreat.
As the family grew, Tom treasured time spent with the grandchildren attending their sporting events, school activities and making the holidays a family tradition. “Mr. Fix-It” always saw to it that everyone had their own tools and received so much self-satisfaction from knowing he helped them learn how to use them. He always found time to help family and friends
In addition to his wife he is survived by one son, Timothy J. McAvoy and his wife Goknur of Wolcott; two daughters, Terri M Brown and her husband Richard of Waterbury and Judi A. Surowiec and her husband Frank of Wolcott; four grandchildren, Cem McAvoy and his wife Caitlyn, Matthew Brown, Ryan Brown and Evan Surowiec; one great-granddaughter, Scarlett McAvoy and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, July 1, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Pius X Church (St. Basil the Great Parish) 517 Woodtick Rd. Wolcott. Burial with military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury.
Memorial contributions may be made in Thomas’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting www.st.jude.org