Photo courtesy of Connor-Healy Funeral Home - Manchester
Manchester, New Hampshire
Thomas Joseph Hammond, 83, a resident of Osprey, FL, born and raised on Sagamore Street in Manchester, New Hampshire, passed away on April 1, 2025, at the Venice Tidewell Hospice House, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and love.
Born to Joseph and Agnes Hammond, Thomas lived a life rich in family, faith, and contributions to his community. A man of great intellect and boundless curiosity, Thomas earned his education at Bishop Bradley High School, Saint Anselm College, University of Hawaii, and Georgetown University Law Center. His dedication to justice and service began early in his career, when he served as a special agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. But it was his long and impactful tenure at Saint Anselm College that truly defined his legacy. As the founding chair of the Criminal Justice Department, Thomas shaped the lives of countless students, instilling in them the values of integrity and service. He later served as President of the Faculty Senate and retired after 36 years, having touched the lives of many with his wisdom and kindness.
In addition to his role as a beloved professor, Thomas built a successful private law practice, where he dedicated over 40 years to defending the rights of others in criminal law, personal injury, and estate planning. He also served as the Director of the New England Arson Seminar and was an active member of the Manchester and New Hampshire Bar Associations. His leadership extended to roles such as Chair of the Manchester Police Commission and service on the Adult Parole Board. A tireless advocate for public safety and education, Thomas made a lasting impact on the next generation of leaders. He established a scholarship for New England public safety officials at Saint Anselm College and worked with the Blue Mass Committee of the Catholic Diocese of Manchester, always seeking ways to give back to those who served their communities with the same dedication he embodied.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Kathy Ann Hammond; their three children, Amy Comey and her husband Zachary of Darien, Connecticut; Thomas Hammond and his wife Meghan of New Boston, New Hampshire; and Erin Hebert and her husband John of Bedford, New Hampshire. He also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Ava Comey, Owen Comey, Max Comey, Maeve Hammond, Thomas Hammond, Maura Hebert, and Claire Hebert. His memory will live on in their hearts and in the hearts of all who loved him. Thomas is also survived by his beloved brother, James Hammond. Throughout his life, Thomas was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and compassion. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his legacy of love, service, and commitment will live on through his family, his students, and his community.
Services: There are no calling hours. The funeral will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 AM in St. Joseph Cathedral, Pine Street, corner of Lowell Street, Manchester, NH.
Committal prayers and burial will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery, 448 Donald Street, Bedford, NH.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Public Safety Scholarship Fund, St. Anselm College, 100 St. Anselm Drive, Manchester, NH 03102.
The Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, Manchester, NH has the honor of assisting the family.
For more information visit: www.connorhealy.com.
Read MoreThank you for all you’ve given to others throughout your life. I remember your classes fondly at St A’s as a Criminal Justice major, and all the support you gave me as I entered the field of law enforcement back in the late 80s. Keeping all who knew and loved you in my prayers.
Sharon Price
July 22, 2025 | Manchester, NH | Student
Class of 1984, and a CJ major. Truthfully haven’t thought of Professor Hammond in some time, but upon reading of his passing, I fondly remembered his classes. A great teacher and, obviously, a well led life! Condolences to his family.
Gregory McCann
July 22, 2025 | Merrimack, NH | Student
I visited Tom and cousin Agnes and cousin Florence in New Hampshire many years ago. My grandmother was Helen Dixon Murphy. We had a wonderful visit together. God bless his family and may he rest in peace. There are no coincidences in God's world. My brother Rory is in Tidewell currently.
Jane Paone
May 05, 2025 | Columbus, NJ | Family
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Professor Hammond. Like so many others he touched, I was a Criminal Justice Major also (Class of 80). I can still vividly remember many of our class discussions and arguments - he taught us well and he will be remembered fondly. Sending hugs to his family and friends. God Bless - Vanessa (Flore) Canning
Vanessa Canning
April 21, 2025 | Massapequa, NY | Student
Kathy, my sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Tom. I was very fortunate to had the opportunity to spend time with Tom on the New England Arson Seminar for many years. He was a man of great integrity and devotion to helping others. He will remain with me in my thoughts and prayers, as we shall never forget!
Bill Degnan
Bill Degnan
April 14, 2025 | New London, NH | Friend
I first met Professor Hammond as a criminal justice major at St Anselm College (Class of '80). And then during my 28 years at the Manchester Police Department I had the opportunity to work with Attorney and Police Commissioner Hammond. He was always very friendly, outgoing and professional. I have nothing but good memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Marc Lussier
April 13, 2025 | Work
Tom was one of our favorite people when were in Osprey. Our friendship continued even though getting together was harder each year. Our hearts go out to Kathy (and family) on the loss of this wonderful friend.
Lori and Bill McAtee
April 13, 2025 | Louisville, KY | Friend
My condolences to the family. I was a work study student in the CJ office from 1974 thru 1976. I saw Tom on a regular basis. At one point during my time there, I made him a rosewood gavel and a white marble base that it rested on. I recall that he placed it prominently on his desk at the CJ office. I believed that at some time in the future he would reside on the bench. Also, because of his efforts I was the second group of two St. A's students to do an internship with the Devon and...
Peter Plante
April 12, 2025 | School
My condolences to the family. Tom and I started practicing law about the same time and we both had offices at 20 Hanover Street in Manchester along with a number of other lawyers. I learned a lot from Tom. There was no one who was better liked or more respected than Tom.
Michael O'Shaughnessy
April 12, 2025
