Montogomery Center, Vermont
1958 - 2005
MONTGOMERY CENTER – Thomas Bernard Patras, age 47, passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 30th, 2005 .
He was born January 13, 1958 in Perth Amboy, NJ the son of Socrates Patras and the late Elizabeth (Kelley) Patras.
Tom was a resident of Franklin County for 33 years, living in Montogomery and East Franklin. He graduated from Lamoille Union High School in 1977 and attended Johnson State College.
Tom started his illustrious culinary career at Zack’s On The Rocks in Montgomery at the age of fourteen for a buck twenty-five an hour. After Zack’s he moved onto the Belfry whenever called upon and worked as a sous chef at Hotel Jay for thirteen years.
Tom’s career in construction began in 1980 building his first home with his wife at the time, creating a unique cordwood home. Tom continued working in construction at Waterland in Montgomery before starting his long career with Tim Murphy at Inter-Mountain Enterprises. Tom had become Tim’s “right hand man” contributing his knowledge and expertise in building gorgeous homes and other people’s dreams and visions.
Anyone who knew Tom knew of his obsessive passion for SAABs and SAAB stories; need we say more? Tom loved to board, whether it was snowboarding at Jay Peak or skateboarding on Route 242. His creative talents were expressed in his paintings, sketches, theatrical designs and costumes. He had a great love for music as seen in his diverse, eclectic collection.
He is survived by his children, Hailey Chamberlain and her husband Jesse of Henrietta, NY and Justin Patras of Enosburg Falls; his father, Socrates Patras and his wife, Anna of Perth Amboy, NJ; 1 brother, Argyre Patras of California; 2 sisters, Sara Jude Little of New Jersey, Liz Ann Thayer and her husband Ed of Maine; a half sister, Anna Patras of New Jersey; a step brother, Christopher Patras of New Jersey; Paternal Grandmother, Mary Patras of New Jersey; his long time companion, Joanne Scott and her son Evan James of East Franklin. Besides his mother he was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Harry Patras; his maternal grandparents, Thomas B. & Gertrude Kelley.
A memorial service will be held Saturday November 5, 2005 at 11:00 AM at the Montgomery Grange Hall in Montgomery Center.
Visiting hours will be held Friday evening from 6-9 at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls.
For those who wish, contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to the Montgomery Recreation Center, C/O Montgomery Town Clerk, P.O. Box 356, Montgomery Ctr., VT 05471
Condolences may be sent to the family on-line through www.spearsfuneralhome.com
Oh Tommy, in my minds eye I can clearly see your contagious smile at the belfry bar, your wonderful spirit lives on in all of us, Sherman & Elle Potvin
Sherman Potvin
October 27, 2023 | Beverly Hills,, FL
Dear Soc. and Family. I was so saddened to hear about Tommy. Last year when I went home for the summer, he was the first person to greet me,..of course, in the Belfrey. We had a good chat then, and later another when I ran into him on Lake Carmi. He was sailing with
Gordon, and I was out on Bobby's boat. Tommy came up on the camp porch for lunch,and we passed the afternoon talking about the "old days" I remember so many great dinners and
visits with your family...I, like everyone...
Kathy Anderson
November 13, 2005 | Jogyakarta ,Indonesia
Dear Lulu and the family of Tom Patras,
My sincerest condolances are being sent to you and you family on the loss of your Tom. Tommy as he will always be to me, was surely one of the most fun loving, patient, creative and special man of many talents ever. I feel so honored to have had him as a friend during our adventoruous years as teenagers. One could always find a smiling face any time one was needed. My heartfelt wishes are with you and your family as you try and put some...
Kathy Hutchins
November 10, 2005 | Cambridge, VT, VT
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all. I am so sad and my heart aches for everyone at such a loss. Tommy was one to build a special place in your memory. He was a unique and true person and I am thankful that I got to share some of this life with him. Now he shares that special place in my heart with Betty.
Beth Shimmon
November 09, 2005 | Scottsville, VA
I was most saddened and in great disbelief over Cousin Tommy's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you during the time of great sorrow, and my hopes that the love of friends and family will surround you, and comfort you during this time of profound sadness.
Pauline Mueller
November 09, 2005 | Webster, MA
Tommy,
You for sure will be missed....keep that Saab inbetween the white lines..have a safe Journey.
chopper
November 04, 2005 | Naples, FL
Dear Soc and Family,
Although we all met and knew each other years ago in Montgomery Center, the one person in your family I was able to see on each of my return visits to town, was of course, Tommy.
It is with deeply heartfult emotion and sadness that I convey my sympathy to all of you on the loss of this openhearted, kind and delightful man.
In years past, from the windows of my restaurant/home on the mountain road, I could see him trudging uphill,...
Lynn von Conta
November 04, 2005 | Putnam, CT
My deepest sympathy to the whole family.I am absolutely heart broken. Tommy was a great friend for over thirty years and he will be a great memory for ever. I am so thankful that I could count him as a friend.
John Sisco
November 04, 2005 | Blue Hill, ME
