Thomas R. Preston Jr.

1929 - 2022

Thomas R. Preston Jr., 93, of West Hartford, CT passed away peacefully on December 9, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hartford, CT on Groundhog's Day, February 2, 1929, to Dr. Thomas R. Preston, Sr. and Mary V. Ford, he spent his youth in the West End of Hartford, later moving to West Hartford where he resided most of his life. Tom was predeceased by his wife Carol P. Preston of 63 years and sister Sally Preston.

He leaves behind his six children and their spouses, Thomas R. Preston III and Mary Foley of Avon, Ann P. Ney of McLean, VA, Judy and David Francis of Canton, CT, Tracey and John Heslin of Bloomfield, CT, Mary Ellyn (Pookey) Preston and Sharon Lucas of Hackensack, NJ and C. Perry and Michael Barry of West Hartford, CT, 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren whom he adored.

He graduated from Cranwell Preparatory School, served in the U.S. Navy, and graduated from Nichols College.

In the early 1950s Tom embarked on a career in real estate, ultimately establishing The TR Preston Company which became a "household" name in Greater Hartford and the Farmington Valley. For over 40 years The TR Preston Company signs were seemingly everywhere. Working 24/7 Tom took great pride as a mentor and, more importantly, a friend to all those who worked with him; respected by his peers in the business community as an honest and fair businessman. The love his team showed him during his later years is testament to his giving personality.

A Red Sox fan all his life Tom held season tickets at Fenway Park for over 50 years and the four World Series victories brought him almost as much joy as his ability to share tickets with friends, clients and family.

Tom and Carol also enjoyed many winters at their Florida residences. He loved the racetrack, visiting often while in Florida, as well as annual visits to Saratoga.

A past member of many clubs including Wampanoag County Club, the Hartford Golf Club, and Ocean Reef Club, Tom will be greatly missed by every bartender who ever served him. He and Carol were proud to be original and founding members of The Church of Saint Timothy.

He will forever be remembered for his generosity, many friendships, love of family, and for those who knew him best, his "cleanliness". He lived a full life and enjoyed sharing it with all those who crossed his path. Tom and Carol's parties were legendary.

The family especially thanks Gloria Jordan who cared so tirelessly for him these past few years.

Funeral services will be celebrated on Thursday December 15, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Timothy, 1116 North Main Street, West Hartford. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom's name may be made to Saint Jude's Children's Hospital at Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are being handled by the Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc. www.ahernfuneralhome.com