Thomas G. Roncaioli

Thomas George "Tommy", "Ronco", "Rock", "Little Rock" Roncaioli, 58, of Meriden, Ct died on Monday August 1st after a long complicated illness that began with congenital Polycystic Kidney Disease. A life long resident of Meriden he was born on June 16, 1958. A graduate of Maloney High School, he was most recently employed by Odwalla Inc as a route salesmen, a roll that gave him the opportunity to use his unique gift of connecting with everyone he met. Tom's life was impacted greatly when he first stepped onto a rugby field at the University of Connecticut in the 1970's. This began a long playing career that included UConn, The Hartford Wanderers, The Worcester Rugby Club, and in a move that effected his life in ways no one could have imagined, The Connecticut Greys Rugby Club aka "The GREY". With The Grey he played all over the world until he had to retire in 2008 due to the relentless nature of Polycystic Kidney Disease which ultimately resulted in end stage renal disease and failure. In 2007 Tom was put on the kidney transplant list, something he preferred over a life of dialysis. The prospects of finding a match however were dim. Through the kinship of the Grey Rugby club a drive was organized on Tom's behalf. More than 60 players, their families, and friends, volunteered to be tested and several were a match. A teammate, Mike Kosilla, became Tom's kidney donor, a gift that allowed him to avoid dialysis and remain at work with a second chance at a normal life. Although he could no longer play Tom remained involved with the Greys. He was instrumental in bringing The Grey to Meriden, where they host teams from all over the world at their home pitch on the Meriden YMCA Mountain Mist Day Camp property. He also took his athletic skills to the World Transplant Games where he competed in both South Africa and Australia representing the USA in golf and volleyball against teams from around the globe. Most recently, Tom was involved in the planning of his 40th reunion from Maloney High School and he regretted greatly that he would not be able to be there in person. Tom is survived by his brother Craig Roncaioli and his wife Karen Randazzo Roncaioli of West Hartford, CT, his niece Kyle Roncaioli and nephew Casey Roncaioli both of West Hartford, and his nephew Connor Roncaioli of Washington DC. He was predeceased by his parents Silvio and Agnes Roncaioli. In addition to his immediate family he is survived by many close cousins who he was so fortunate to have in his life. When Tom's health took a turn for the worst Tom relied heavily on the kindness of friends to help him cope with the stresses of day to day living. While it's difficult to single out a few from the many, the family does wish to recognize the following people, Mike Kosilla and his family for giving Tom a second chance at life, we are forever grateful, his life long friends Cindy Szymaszek, Michael Kenefick, and Tom Raffile, for their help in caring for Tom these last few months and for their tireless help and support in his final days. We would also like to thank the staff from Hartford Healthcare Hospice, and his nurses at Comprehensive Dialysis for their caring, professionalism, and support. Tom's life was short but full. He traveled the world and cultivated enough friends to last many lifetimes. His smile and genuine concern for everyone he met endeared him to all even in the briefest of meetings. His last week of life was full of love, laughter, and tears and we are so thankful to everyone who was able to say goodbye to him and ease his transition to eternal life. The family will be holding calling hours on Wednesday, August 10th from 5 to 7 pm with a brief memorial service at 5:30 pm at Wampanoag Country Club, Wampanoag Drive, West Hartford, CT. There will be an additional memorial at The Grey home field at the YMCA Mountain Mist Day Camp with date and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers contributions should be made to The PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation https://pkdcure.org/donate/tribute/ in Tom's name.