Search by Name

Search by Name

Thomas Dooley Obituary

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

Published by The Record-Journal on Jul. 18, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Dooley

Not sure what to say?





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

Make a Donation
in Thomas Dooley's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Dooley

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Yalesville Funeral Home

386 Main Street, Yalesville, CT 06492

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Dooley's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more