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Thomas Herlihy Obituary
Thomas J. Herlihy Jr. was born in Queens, New York and lived his life in Simsbury, Connecticut. Tom attended Saint Mary's elementary school before graduating from Simsbury High School in 1974. Tom later graduated from the University of Hartford in 1978 with a B.A. in Elementary Education. After teaching in the Simsbury Public School system for two years, he worked at the Traveler's Insurance Company before opening his own insurance business in 1983. Tom was the owner of T.J. Herlihy Insurance in Simsbury, Connecticut since 1983. In addition to being a local sports enthusiast, Tom was an active participant in Simsbury town politics. He coached his son and daughters in basketball, soccer, and baseball, and watched them grow and thrive in the Simsbury public school system. Tom was also an active member of the Simsbury Rotary Club and served on the Simsbury Board of Selectman from 1987-1990 and then again in 2009. He was elected to the Simsbury Board of Finance in 1991 and served as chairman in 1996. Over the years, Tom was a generous contributor to the Simsbury community. Tom's passion for public policy eventually led him to serve as a State Representative for the 16th district between 1997 and 1999. He later served as a State Senator for the 8th district between 1999 and 2009. As a State Senator, Tom served on the finance and energy committees and was instrumental in the passage of several lasting reforms. He was honored by the CT State Firefighters Association for spearheading efforts to provide thermal imaging equipment for fire departments throughout the state. Pre- deceased by his father, Thomas Joseph Herlihy Sr., Tom is survived by his mother, Mary Herlihy of Simsbury, and his siblings: Patricia Silva of Suffield, Connecticut; Lynn and Kenneth Tilley of North Andover, Massachusetts; Doreen and Jim Cheverie of North Andover, Massachusetts; James and Kathleen Herlihy of Wallingford, Connecticut; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his daughter Kaitlin Cambras and her husband Jonathan of South Orange, New Jersey, his daughter Meggie Barrow and her husband Jeff of Chicago, Illinois, his son Sean Herlihy of Los Angeles, California, and his former wife Janet Herlihy Russell of West Hartford, Connecticut. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday May 13th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Vincent Funeral Home in Simsbury, Connecticut. A private funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, friends may choose to make a donation to Simsbury Youth Soccer LLC. A donation page will be set up at www.simsburysoccer.org. Additionally, you can mail a donation to: Simsbury Soccer Club, P.O. Box 731 Simsbury, CT 06070. Please visit Tom's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Herlihy
Sponsored by the family.
April 17, 2018
Landers ms cooper
James Vicevich
May 28, 2015
great neighbor and friend. Cared deeply about his town and state. Shocked and dismayed by his passing. My prayers for his soul and that his family be able to handle the hole left in the hearts of all who new him.
May 24, 2015
Sean and I won't forget how kind Tom was to both of us as newcomers to Simsbury. So sad for your loss.
Nancy O'Driscoll
May 18, 2015
Being a teacher seems to have become a footnote to Tom's many accomplishments. But that's how I knew him - I had him for third grade at Squadron Line and I remember him as one of my favorite teachers, encouraging my love of writing. I am very sorry to hear of his passing.
Peter Boucher
May 14, 2015
Tom was a fair,enthusiastic policy maker, whose upbeat attitude was friendly and infectious. He will be sorely missed.
May 14, 2015
We new Tom from college. Our sincere condolences to his family. May fond memories comfort you at this difficult time.
Roy and Darlene Gurnon
Eric Higham
May 14, 2015
Caitlin - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Truly sorry for your loss.
Richie LaMagna
May 13, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. My condolences to the family.
Irene & Larry DeSouza
May 13, 2015
To my extended 2nd Family the Entire Herlihy Family - Working with Tom for more than 17 years I got to know Tom on a personal and business level - we had some great times and some sad times but our friendship and his generosity will always live on - May he rest in peace - I love you my friend
John Maschi
May 13, 2015
Tom and I met 35 yrs ago when we worked at The Travelers. Tom, Mike Barone and I shared many good times together - too many to count. Although we all went our separate ways, our friendship was one that I'll never forget. All my best to Tom's children, family and many friends. His larger than life personality will be missed. RIP Herl. John Maschi
Marc Rietze
May 13, 2015
I have known Tom for quite awhile, he was always genuine, and always sincere. He may be missed by many, but I know I will personally miss him. Thanks Tom for letting me get to know you!
Mj Holowaty-Hobbes
May 12, 2015
The Herlihy Family was my 2nd family when I taught in Simsbury. I was very fortunate to know them all and my prayers are with them now.
Diane and Charlie McAllister
May 12, 2015
Our deepest sympathy goes out to your family; we will keep you all in our prayers. Cousin Diane and Charlie McAllister
Paul Brewer
May 12, 2015
Sean and family
My heart is heavy for the loss of your father. I have many fond memories of your dad in his many activities around town as you were growing up. He will be missed. You have many friends to lean on during this difficult time.
Chris Morkan
May 12, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family and friends who will forever miss his easy smile and gracious spirit.
Debbie Ricci
May 12, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Herlihy family. Thank you Tom for your generosity and kindness throughout the years. You were the best to work for and will be dearly missed. Rest in peace.
Brian Baldwin
May 12, 2015
RIP Tom...I worked with Senator Aniskovich when he and Tom served together. Tom was dedicated, earnest, sincere and above all personally fun and never too full of himself. God bless him and his wonderful family and loved ones.
Cam Staples
May 11, 2015
I was so saddened to learn of Tom's passing. He was a thoughtful and dedicated legislator who was a pleasure to work with. He left his mark and will be sorely missed. My condolences to all of his family members.
May 11, 2015
We were so shocked to hear of Tom's passing. We shared many hours on the soccer field coaching the girls that we loved so much.
Debbie is so sad as well, remembering all the great times in High School.
He will truly be missed.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Phil Lipnick and family
Juliana Simone
May 11, 2015
It was so shocking to hear of Tom's passing yesterday. I'm very saddened to learn he is no longer with us. When I was working for the House Republicans and was asked to run for state rep in the sixty-third district, which included some of Tom's towns as an eighth district Senator, he couldn't have been more generous to me when appearing at mutual events - asking me to walk with him and do tables and say hello to voters and supporters, marching in our Independence Day Parade in Barkhamsted, giving me advice as a candidate and doing a half hour interview on our RTC's cable show, where he just shined as a true professional and genuine Republican. As the producer and host of the show, I am going to air this episode next week in memoriam to Tom - to show him as the fine State Senator he was in his prime...we touched base over the years and I wrote him how excited I was to learn he had become a member of the Simsbury BOS. We last saw each other at an event in Simsbury for then veteran State Senator Andrew Roraback who was running for Congress. I did not know that would be the last time. My sincere condolences for his family. I'm sure he was a star in your life and he will live in your hearts forever.
paul mc gonnell
May 11, 2015
To Toms family. My name is Paul Mc Gonnell and I am Toms cousin. We had lost touch many years ago but I have fond memories of when we were younger. Thomas, my brother Ed and I would beat each other up for no apparent reason. I am sorry to hear of his passing. May God bless Tom and his family and all my cousins.
Mike Barone
May 11, 2015
I met Tommy in 1980 when we worked for the Travelers Ins Co together....he was a wonderful guy, always able to light up a room with his jokes and love of life, we had many good times together, sharing many laughs along the way......My condolences go out to Tom's family and friends and may he rest in God's peace......Mike Barone - Midlothian, Va.
Dave Olson
May 11, 2015
To the family of Tom,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, at this very difficult and transitional time. Fond memories of Tom, will live on forever!
Sincerely,
Dave Olson
May 11, 2015
Growing up in Weatogue, Tommy was always someone to look up to. He worked with my Dad at the Latimer Summer playground as a counselor, then led the program for several summers. Always in good cheer, always very supportive. We definitely lost Tommy too soon. My condolences to Mary, Doreen, Jimmy, and the whole family.
Steve Brigham
Bowie, MD
Michael Rell
May 11, 2015
My condolences to the Herlihy family. I am sorry to read about Tom's passing. He was a great public servant who loved the Simsbury community. He will be missed by many.
Mary Mitchell
May 11, 2015
We wish to send our sincere sympathy to all of Tom's family. May he rest in peace. From Mary Mitchell and all the Mitchell family
Hope Noar
May 10, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Tom. He was a wonderful guy, and always very friendly to everyone! My condolences to the entire family.
May 10, 2015
To Tom's familY; I've known Tom since 1984 from the insurance business. We've had a great relationship through the years, and Tom was always very considerate to me and helpful to me in my career. Many of us in the industry will miss him a lot.
May 10, 2015
To the Herlihy family: I have had the privilege of serving on Tom's campaign committee here in Torrington. He was sincere, truthful, and very caring about his constituents. He was down to earth, warm, friendly and a people person. I will miss Tom very much. Lucille A. Paige
May 10, 2015
I was so sorry to read of Tom's passing. He was always fun to be around at the Capitol... I will always remember the potato filled with flowers he brought me for St. Patrick's Day. He went much too soon. Mary Finnegan, South Windsor, CT (former Administrator of the Finance Committee)
May 10, 2015
Sean,
Words cannot express how sorry we are to hear about your Dad. You and your family are in our thoughts.
The DiClemente Family
Robin Ramsdell
May 10, 2015
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He always listened to what you had to say. I feel bad that he is no longer with us. Life is hard and challenges us to look deep within ourselves. Rest in peace and peace be with your entire family during this time.
Jodi Rell
May 10, 2015
Dear Herlihy family, I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I enjoyed our service together at the Capitol. He always served his constituents well. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Jodi Rell
Raymond Gorman
May 10, 2015
To the Senators Family and friends--- I had the privilege and honor to work with Tom when he was in the Senate and I was a State agency Commissioner. He was committed, caring and dedicated to his constituents and to Connecticut. His life left us better for it, and his passing takes a little bit from us all.
Janet O'Connell
May 10, 2015
Dear Kaitlin & Family
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad, please know our thoughts & prayers go out to all of you. Love Uncle John & Aunt Janet
Barbara Puffer
May 10, 2015
Thank you for sharing Tom with the State of CT. Prayers for your family. God bless.
Roger Carlson
May 10, 2015
Mary Jo and I are so sorry Mary to learn of Tom's passing. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. He was a great guy and I fondly remember him from his high school days. He will be missed.
Bet Gallagher Zimmerman Smith
May 10, 2015
I was so sad to hear about Tommy. He was a great friend in high school and college. So sweet and so much fun. My sincere condolences to his family.
Rich Wagner
May 10, 2015
Tom coached the Hot Shot soccer team for years. Tom is part of great memories as we traveled to other cities and states. I appreciate his many years of service to our community in ways both big and small. His great smile and warm greetings brightened days for everyone who knew him.
Rich Wagner
Michael Deubel
May 10, 2015
You were one of my best friends and teammates growing up in Simsbury and you always will be. My thoughts, prayers and heavy heart are with all your friends and loved ones for which there are many...
Glenn Gerber
May 10, 2015
I was a camera person for SCTV Simsbury Board of Selectman meetings when Tom was involved.
He was a very good, likable person.
Glenn Gerber & wife Beth-Tariffville,CT.
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