Thomas "Tommy" Arsenault

Thomas "Tommy" John Arsenault, of Hampton VA, passed away on August 19, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. Tommy was born on August 5, 1960. Growing up in Windsor CT, Tommy was a Boy Scout and excelled at athletics, particularly ice hockey. According to family lore, he routinely aggravated opposing hockey teams dubbing him "The Pest." As a young man, Tommy had a mischievous disposition and a particular penchant for raising hell with his brothers. From 1978 – 1984 Tommy served in the United States Army and was stationed in various parts of the U.S. and Heidelberg, Germany. During his time in Germany, he savored the delights of Europe, attended numerous Oktoberfests, skied any mountain he could find and enjoyed driving fast on the autobahn. In 1984, Tommy would return home, meet his future wife, Barbara and begin growing a family who would eventually plant roots in Virginia in 1991. In 1997, Tommy proudly earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Christopher Newport University. Throughout his life he took on various careers – stock clerk, mechanic, land surveyor, chemical analyst, middle school teacher, train conductor, and in recent years a site plan agent for the City of Hampton. There was never a business he didn't feel he could or should be in charge of. Tommy was passionate about golf, and he especially enjoyed officiating local ice hockey games as a nationally certified referee. He cherished the opportunity to go camping with his wife and spend time with his grandchildren. Otherwise, he could always be found puttering about in the garage, tending to his chickens or trying to get the dog to obey him. He was quick to laugh, tell a joke, or offer a helping hand; sometimes all at once. For better or worse, more often for the better, Tommy would have a deep and significant impact on all those he loved, and all who loved him. In his own unique way, the only way he knew, he left an indelible mark on this world and we will dearly miss his presence in our lives.

Tommy is pre-deceased by his father, Peter and his sister Lynn, survived by his mother, Gwen and stepfather Chet Osowiecki, and he was the much loved brother of Joey, Peter, Johnny and Suzie. He is furthermore survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Barbara, his four sons, Freddy (m Gretchen-grandchildren: Imogen, Luna, Ingrid), Daniel (m Kaylee-grandchildren: Grayson, Brayden, Addison), Derek (m-Kellie-grandchildren: Avah, Noah, Lukas), Drew (grandchildren: Thomas and Jaxson), in addition to other family members and many loyal friends. He was a grateful and humble friend of Bill W. for more than half of his life.

Tommy's funeral will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hampton, VA on Wednesday, August 30th at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers a donation can made to Immaculate Conception Church (General Fund), 2150 Cunningham Dr., Hampton VA OR Riverside NICU (sent to The Riverside Foundation, 701 Town Center Dr., Suite 1000, Newport News VA 23606 or https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/riverside and select Neonatal ICU as your designation in Tommy's honor.

Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home