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Tom Churas Obituary
Tom was born January 16, 1948 in Franklin, NH to the late Frank and Joan Churas (Mercier). Tom graduated from Central High School, Manchester, NH in 1966. Following his graduation, he moved to Tucson, Arizona before returning to NH to complete a BA from Keene State College. Tom married the love of his life Diane Osgood on May 14th, 1993 in Key West, Florida.
He had a highly accredited career serving his country as a NH Army National Guardsman. Tom was a distinguished marksman and a recipient of the U.S. Army Excellence in Competition Badge for Service Rifles. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal and multiple Army commendation medals. He was also an Eagle Scout.
Tom retired as a sergeant from the NH Army National Guard in 2008. Even in retirement, he served for the NH Army National Guard on special assignments and at the Hillsborough County Sherriff's Office.
Tom ran the Boston Marathon, twice. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and made many trips to Wyoming and Arizona to hunt antelope throughout his life. Tom was gifted with stock investing and money management and loved helping friends and family achieve financial goals.
Tom and Diane spent much leisure time at Little Squam Lake in Holderness, NH, the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, ME, Key West, FL. And Tucson, AZ.
In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his nephew Andy Brown. Tom is survived and will be missed by his wife of 27 years, Diane, and her son, Tim and his partner, Mahala of Clinton, NY; his eight siblings and their spouses: Nancy and the late Richard Girard of Manchester, Cindy and Ronald Lavigne of Manchester, Diane and Kenneth Brown of Manchester, John and Kim Churas of Wakefield, RI, Patty Jo Churas and Philip Beaulieu of Hooksett, Carolyn and Jeffrey Boucher of Manchester, Kathy and Roger Boisse of Auburn, and Karen and Todd Newville of Shrewsbury, MA. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
Services are private because of limited seating due to Covid-19, but they will be livestreamed on Immaculate Heart of Mary of Concord's Youtube channel and their Facebook page on Tuesday, September 15 at 11 AM. Tom will be interred at the Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.
A celebration of life will be held when we all can gather safely again.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Birches of Concord and Bayada Hospice. A special heartfelt thank you to Tom's personal caregiver Danielle.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Massachusetts, New Hampshire Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 166 S. River Rd. #210, Bedford, NH 03110, or to the National Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030, or to a charity of one's choice.
Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information please visit www.phaneuf.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tom Churas
Steve Guay
September 5, 2024
Diane and family,
Only if life had given the world more people like Tom.
Giving,honest and the person you just want to hang with.
His smile was infectious and his interest in what you had to say, was Tom.
He is and will be missed.
Nancy Steen
March 11, 2021
Tom always enjoyed the wonderful spirit that Squam Lake gives back. His spirit lives on, here, one of the places he loved. Many prayers and hugs to you, Diane.
Carol and Moe Labbe
September 18, 2020
Dear Patty Jo,
We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Love, Carol and Moe
Mark & Kelly Trudelle
September 16, 2020
Tom was one of those people that when you met him he left a long lasting impression on you.
He was consummate professional as soldier with the New Hampshire Army National Guard. He wore many other hats as a mentor, big Brother and loving husband.
Many times over lunch with Tom and his Wife Diane, he would share his stories about his love of guns, hunting in the West and other adventures.
His passion and vivid recall with details during his stories, you could swear you were there with him sharing in these experiences.
Tom was always there to greet you with a smile, kind words and for this we will miss him so much.
God bless you Tom we were so glad to have known you and will always keep you in our memories.
Mark & Kelly Trudelle
Carol Morin
September 16, 2020
My deepest sympathy
John Chroniak
September 15, 2020
Diane. Sorry to hear . John Chroniak
Oscar Isabelle
September 15, 2020
Diane and the Churas family. I had the privilege of working with Tom in the NH Army National Guard in Concord. Tom was a good friend and well respected by all who knew him. He always had a friendly smile accompanied by an upbeat comment. We are blessed to have known him and share in his life. Be consoled that he will always be remembered in our hearts and our prayers. He is in good hands, my prayers are offered for Tom and his family. Peace
Bob Marchand
September 15, 2020
Diane and the Churas family. I met Tom in 1988. We travelled to Camp Perry, Ohio to represent the New Hampshire State Rifle Team. He was always smiling and cheerful. He was a true gentleman.
Greg Sapounas
September 14, 2020
Dianne and the entire Churas Family,
Our condolences for your loss. Tom was a dear friend and we will always miss him. He was a great friend and has been in our lives a very long time. He will live in our memories forever.
Kevin McElroy, MSgt (ANG, Ret.)
September 14, 2020
Over 30 years ago Tom and I became friends when we served in the NH Army National Guard. No one took this honor to serve the public more seriously than Tom. His service was never a chore Never just a job Duty hours were only a suggestion -- He always considered his service a privilege and an honor.' I have a hundred stories I could share about Tom from both on and off-duty. But I'll share just one from the early days' as we worked in the same military office:
Often, Tom and I would volunteer to serve on various honor guard details and when we arrived if there were other honors teams representing those who served before us (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, VFW), Tom would always insist they take the place of honor usually only after Tom had a very respectful and determined conversation with these Veteran Teams, we'd take-up our place about four or five places back. This was so Tom. Tom's reverence toward those who served before us -- Was unmatched.
Tom loved talking about the old days' and I felt very lucky to be able to share that with him. You are in the best of hands and surrounded by your comrades-in-arms. Until we meet again
Allyson Bodell
September 14, 2020
To the Churas Family. My deep condolences to all of you. Thank you for your brave service to our wonderful country. When we were kids growing up Tommy was always so funny. It seemed he was always heading out to go hunting. I'm sure he is being sadly missed. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and perpetual light shine upon him.
DIANA YOUNG
September 14, 2020
Diane,
I worked with Tom for many years in the Personnel Directorate of the New Hampshire Army National Guard and was very saddened when I heard from Mark that Tom had passed on from such a terrible disease. Please accept our heartfelt condolences for you and your families loss. He will be truly missed
14 September 2020
Kathy
September 14, 2020
Our sincerest Sympathy to the Churas Family. Richard and Kathy DeFreitas
Melanie LaRocca
September 13, 2020
Tom was truly special and will be greatly missed.
Brenda Cavanaugh
September 13, 2020
To The Churas Family. So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. It was way too soon. My deepest condolences. I was amazed how he looked just like his Mom Joanne. Will always remember Tom as my first kiss in Sixth grade. LOL. May he Rest In Peace. Brenda Cavanaugh
Jill Knowles
September 13, 2020
I am very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I have very good memories of Tom leading the gang on Tory Road. All the kids looked up to him. My condolences to all the Churas and his wife and family. Best Regards Jill Cavanaugh Knowles
Bob Kelley
September 13, 2020
I'm sorry to hear of the death of my old St. Joseph Grammar School classmate and friend. My condolences to Cindy and all the other members of Tom's family.
Bjorn Lange
September 13, 2020
Diane
I was sad to read about Tom in this morning's Monitor. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Bjorn
September 13, 2020
Mr.Churas, Thank you for your service RDM Windham NH
Kathie Kaluzynski
September 13, 2020
Dear Diane, Tim and Family,
Marc and I are so sorry for you Loss. We will miss our visits with Tom at Pat and Elaine's, there was always a great story to be heard. Our Hearts and Prayers go out to you all.
Love, Marc and Kathie
Gordon Butcher
September 12, 2020
Tom was a fine human being and a joy to work with and be around. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Gordon L, Butcher
Dan Turgeon
September 12, 2020
Sincere condolences to the Churas family. No matter how bad a day you had you always felt better after running into Tom. His smile and friendly demeanor never failed to uplift you. Eternal rest fellow soldier
Diane and Ron St. Jean
September 12, 2020
To Diane and to all the Churases and their families
You are an amazing family, so supportive and full of love. Our hearts go out to all of you, with warm remembrances of our cousin Tommy.
MARK FORSTER
September 12, 2020
Dear Diane, Tim, and the entire extended Churas family.
We are so very saddened by the passing of Tom at this young age. However, we are truly thankful and happy for having known him, and for the great times that we had together over the years.
He was a great friend, and a wonderful god father to Peter. We will miss the fun times, fishing, and exploring the natural wonders of Squam lake together.
Tom was one of the good guys - he had a great impact on our family, the National Guard family, and all those he came in contact with.
The world is a better place for him having been in it
Mark, Cheryl, Peter, and Patrick Forster
George Spaulding
September 11, 2020
So sorry to hear about the loss of Tom! I remember him as a great friend and a true professional; you could always count on Tom! Our Condolences to his family!
Pauline & Nick Boynton
September 11, 2020
Nick and I are saddened to hear of Tom's passing. I remember how excited Nick was while Tom was allowing him to help build a campfire in his backyard. Many hugs to all!
Steve Guay
September 11, 2020
He always had a kind word. Whenever we would meet he was always genuinely glad to visit and take the time to exchange family info and general local gossip.
A gentle man, gone too soon. He will be missed.
Frank Pelczarski
September 11, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Churas family. I had the pleasure of working with Tom for many years with the NH National Guard in Concord and you could not ask for a better co-worker and friend. May your memories of him, live in your hearts forever. May he rest in peace.
Susan and Kevin REYNOLDS
September 11, 2020
We are so very sad to hear of Tom's passing. We both worked with Tom during his time with the New Hampshire Army National Guard and found him to be a genuinely nice guy with a great sense of humor, and a willingness to help out. Tom always had a tale to share and smile to light up your day. Heaven has gained a bright angel and a wonderful Adminstrative NCO. Rest in Peace, Soldier. Until Valhalla!❤❤
Ann Marie Kimball
September 11, 2020
Diane,
So very sorry for your loss of Tom.
We send Prayers of comfort and peace
Love,
Ann Marie, Barney & Family
Vic Rogers
September 11, 2020
Tom was a great guy and a devoted member of the New Hampshire Army National Guard. He was always very respectful and helped answering my many questions during my assignments. He was an honor to serve with and I'm sure he will be missed by all who served with him. Respectfully, Vic Rogers, LTCRET
John Weeden
September 11, 2020
Rest in peace Tom. I am privileged to have known you.
John Weeden
James Hardy
September 11, 2020
Very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a pleasure to work with and had a great way about him while performing his duties as a court officer. Sincere condolences to Tom's family.
Ann Mulvee
September 11, 2020
Diane,
So very sorry for your loss.
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