Thomas E. Eshenfelder

NEW LONDON  -  Thomas E. Eshenfelder, 63, of New London, CT passed away peacefully Monday, March 18, 2024, surrounded by his family. 

Tom was born July 27, 1960 in New London, CT to the late Edmund J. Eshenfelder and Sharon Wright Eshenfelder. Tom was a graduate of New London High School class of 1978. He grew up playing basketball and baseball, but his true passion was always fishing. He spent time on his father’s fishing boat, learning the tricks of the trade and all the secret fishing spots, before working for the local charter boats. 

Tom purchased his first boat, “Tomahawk” and began his career as a commercial fisherman. He soon opened New London Fish Market located on the corner of Lower Boulevard. Tom’s business grew from a small local fish market to a wholesale lobster business selling to restaurants and grocery stores statewide, along with shipping lobsters worldwide. His greatest achievement was transforming the property at 80 Hamilton Street into T.A. Scott Fisheries, today known as Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock. Tom’s other business ventures included owner of Captain Scott’s Lobster Truck and Captain’s Closet. He was also President of the Longshoreman’s Union. 

Tom’s four children were his greatest pride and joy. Tom’s truck was always filled with a pile of hockey bags, and he was proud of the day when his children could tie their own skates. He devoted many years to coaching his children’s ice hockey teams, Seahawks, Polar Bears, and the Clippers. He loved telling stories of the wins, losses, and great times had at every hockey tournament. Tom loved taking his kids out fishing and teaching his sons what his father had taught him. Tom’s two sons followed in his footsteps, both becoming commercial fishermen. 

Besides his love for fishing, Tom was passionate about sports, horse racing, and giving speeches. Tom loved the Jets, then the Bengals, and was an avid Mets fan, although it was rumored he was rooting for the Pittsburgh Pirates this season. Tom aka Dr. Longshots, could be found sharing his Book of Wisdom on a local radio show, podcast, or at the Birdseye. He was part owner of Speshell Horse Racing and loved to watch and cheer on his horses, especially Altered Shot. He spent every summer frequenting the Saratoga Race Track with family and friends. Tom was founder of the Emily Eshenfelder Foundation and a board member of the Cactus Jack Foundation. 

He will be greatly missed by his mother Sharon Eshenfelder, his longtime partner Thayer Sifers, his children Kendall (Scott) Fenton, Thomas Eshenfelder and Emily Vanstaen, Peter (Sydney) Eshenfelder, and his favorite grandchildren Crew and Nora. His brother Scott (Pam) Eshenfelder, and sister Susan (Brendon) Tierney, and his nieces and nephews; Hannah, Austin, Owen, Oliver, and Celia.

He was welcomed into heaven by his father, his daughter Emily Eshenfelder, the mother of his children Tracee Martin, and his beloved boxers Wally and Fritter. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 21, 2024, at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 10 Huntington St,  New London, CT. Burial  will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Emily Eshenfelder Foundation, 80 Hamilton Street, New London, CT 06320.