Thomas Roberts-Wierzbowski

Thomas was one of my students at
UMass. I was so impressed with this young man and his fierce determination to become
a filmmaker. Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences on the loss of a beautiful man.

In 45 years of teaching, I never met a student who more inspired me than Thomas. It was a joy to sponsor his independent degree program at UMass and to watch his progress. He was bright, creative, intellectually curious, optimistic, and supremely determined. I will long remember his sweet smile, his "Life Is Good" t-shirt, and his desire (fulfilled) to bring hope to others. My deepest condolences to Thomas's family and friends. I hope Greenfield will find a way to commemorate Thomas and...

Thomas was a student in my television production classes at UMass. In one class it came time for him to direct a live multiple-camera show. I was concerned since the process conventionally depends on verbal commands. I wasn't shy. I simply asked him "what's the plan, Thomas?" He smiled and told me not to worry. That show and his others went beautifully.

Bright, talented, strong ... I'm lucky to have been his teacher.

Thomas and his family participated in many Universal Access Programs, especially kayaking at the DAR State Forest, which Thomas continued to attend with his PCA and service dog in recent years. He helped us better serve people with disabilities in state park programs and will be missed! So sad to hear of his passing. Peace to his family.

I feel blessed to have worked with Thomas for a short time in 2015 & 2016. My thoughts are with his wonderful family.

Thomas was such a smart, beautiful young man. He was a student in one of my classes at UMass, and he became involved with the Northampton Film Festival, writing press releases for a number of the films. I would see him at the Greenfield Y and he always had a smile and kind words. I will miss him so very much. My condolences to his family, and please know, Thomas touched the lives of so many people!