WALLINGFORD - Thomas Dooley, 59, of Wallingford passed gently, surrounded by his family, on July 17, 2017.
He was born in New Haven, the youngest son of the late Vincent and Katherine Dooley. He graduated from Fairfield College Preparatory School in 1975, he later earned his B.A. in Recreation from the University of New Hampshire and a M.A. in Recreational Administration from Southern Connecticut State University. Thomas dedicated his life to improving his community working as the Director of Wallingford Park and Rec for many years. He was instrumental in building community involvement and reveled in the ability to bring families together in celebration of that community.
Thomas leaves behind his beloved wife, Patricia (Peck) Dooley; his two sons, Timothy and his wife, Barbara, and Casey; his daughter, Colleen and her fiancé, Zachary; his grandsons, Jacob and Connor; and many loved nieces, nephews, step-children and step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers, Steven and Vincent; as well as his step-mother, Barbara.
His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. directly at New Life Church, 350 High Hill Road, Wallingford. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to his family to help defray medical expenses, c/o The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., Wallingford, CT 06492.
www.wallingfordfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
You will be greatly missed my friend. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Your love for Pat and your family we're only exceeded by your love for the Lord Jesus. Enjoy his presence!
John Eklund
August 12, 2017
I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. When I worked at Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Wallingford our office was right down the hall from the Parks and Rec department. This made for many crazy hilarious interactions with Tom. I was able to witness the immense growth of the department under his tutelage which benefited my children in particular and Wallingford in general. My thoughts and prayers to his family at this most difficult time.
Dorrie Toni
July 20, 2017
To the entire Dooley family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have so many wonderful memories of spending time with your family and my girls will never forget the wonderful Christmas eves at your house. Working with Tom was always so much fun. You never knew what stunt he was going to pull next !! The highlight of my day was him visiting my office at the town hall. He was the only person that could make me laugh that hard. His presence will surely be missed.
Eva Lamothe
July 20, 2017
Pat & family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May all the wonderful memories you have help you through this most difficult time.
Sue Griswold
July 20, 2017
To the Dooley family,
We were very saddened to hear of Tom's passing, he was a good man who loved his family. We have many fond memories of good times at the Dooley home and on the basketball court. He will truly be missed. We are out of state on vacation and are unable to be with you at this time. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Mary Woods and family
July 19, 2017
Pat & Family,
So very sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences! . May his memory live on through you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chelsea Costello
July 19, 2017
Pat, Tim, KC, Colleen, and Sharon,
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was the first recreation professionals I ever met. He was a mentor, coach and most of all great friend to me. We had some incredible battles between staffs back with the origin of the Nickel Cup. We also took some great road trips to conferences and laughed until we cried. The DASHER groups was another fun time. He will be missed but never forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Scott and Sue Brown
Scott Brown
Friend
July 18, 2017
Pat and family,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many.
Cindy Harrigan
July 18, 2017
So, so sad to hear this. Tom always was one of the good guys in our eyes. He was our girls' first basketball coach back in the late '80s, and he was always the most upbeat guy.
Our very deepest sympathies to his family.
Bob and Karen Jones
Karen Jones
July 18, 2017
I attended graduate school with Tom and took over his job at Choate in Student Activities back in March of 1983 - we really enjoyed studying and learning together - he had a larger than life personality! So sorry for your loss. RIP Tom Dooley.
Mary Pashley
July 18, 2017
So sorry for your loss. My children enjoyed many years doing activities at the rec dept. Tom saw to it that the rec dept ran well and benefitted many Wallingford children and adults. He truly loved his community and was a Wallingford treasure. He will be missed. Former Wallingford resident.
Donna Hayden Citak
July 18, 2017
Thoughts and prayers to comfort you in this time of your grief
Diane Garland
July 18, 2017
So very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I very much enjoyed working with Tom in Killingly. I'm sorry his illness stole the vibrant and wonderful guy he was. Condolences to all.
Valerie Ward
July 18, 2017
To Pat & Family, My sincere condolences on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sincerely, Dana Greco
Dana Geco
July 18, 2017
I remember a vibrant, creative, enthusiastic guy. Tom was a charismatic force. If you met him you would never forget him. So sad to lose Tom so soon.
Kathy Singer
July 18, 2017
I'm very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I grew up with Tom and we were best of bud's in grade School Many a day were spent outside playing basketball, football,baseball. Great memories for sure. My deepest condolences.
BRENDAN MULLALLY
July 18, 2017
Thoughts and prayers from the Town of Killingly
Dennis Alemian
July 18, 2017
Pat,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May your memories bring you comfort. With deepest sympathy.
Martha Brown
July 17, 2017
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more