Thomas Graham

1929 - 2015

Thomas C. "Tom" Graham, passed away peacefully at his home in North Carolina on September 29, 2015. He was born in New Haven, CT. in 1929. Soon thereafter moved to Concord, MA where he resided for most of his life. Tom entered the USAAF in 1946 and re-enlisted in 1951. Basic training was at Fort Dix, NJ. He volunteered for Parachutist and Glider School and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne, Fort Bragg, NC and trained at Fort Benning, GA. After graduating from Jump School, he returned to Fort Bragg and was assigned to M Co., 325th where he attended the 3rd Army Area Food Service School and received his certificate of training in February 1952. Later transferred to E Co. and after one year with the 325th, transferred to M Co., 505th where he obtained the rank of mess sergeant. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Parachute Badge Par 126SO 204 HQ TIC Fort Benning, GA. After discharge in 1954 he was appointed a police officer in the town of Concord, MA. While on the Concord Police-Dept. he attended the Massachusetts State Police Academy, Suffolk University, Babson College and the Law Enforcement Officers Training School-FBI, where he took courses in law, management, criminal justice, fingerprinting and photography. During his30years of service he received many commendations, medals, trophies and awards. He was awarded numerous expert shooting trophies and gained recognition as a member of the 100 Club. He was nationally recognized by the New England Fire and Police Examiner and was presented the Award of Merit for Outstanding and Heroic Service in line of duty. While on the force he organized the PAL Boxing Team and coached for 10 years. His team won the Golden Glove Team Trophy Tournament two years in a row at Lowell, MA. He retired from the CPD in 1984 with the rank of Inspector. Tom was a very active member with the 82nd Airborne Division Association where he served as chairman of LTG James M. Gavin Chapter of New England for four years. Tom also had the honor to serve as a National Director on the Board of Directors of the 82nd Abn. Div. Assn., 1999-2005. In 2005 he was elected the 82nd A.D.A. National President. During this time he had the opportunity to travel throughout the US proudly promoting the Association, recruiting members, vigorously supporting the troopers and the education fund and spreading the spirit of the most elite military division - the 82nd Abn. He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Clarke Graham, father, Thomas Graham, aunt Mary Clarke and uncle Thomas A. Clarke, Esq. He resided with his wife Lorrie in Venice, FL. They have two daughters, Diane and Linda; two sons, Steve and David and three grandsons, Stephen, Gregory and Jackson. Several nieces and nephews. In Toms own words Ive lived a very good and interesting life. A memorial service and interment will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery in Saint Petersburg, Florida on October 26, 2015 at 12:30 PM. A memorial web page is set up at the heritagefuneralservices.com In lieu of flowers please donate to the 82nd Airborne Division Association at www.82ndairbornassociation.org or mail to the 82nd Airborne Division Association, PO Box 87482, Fayetteville, NC 28304-7482. Make checks payable to the 82nd Airborne Division Association.