Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Small Obituary
Thomas graduated from Waterville High School in 1987 and went on to join the Air Force where he was first stationed in Woomera, Australia. He was a member of the 243rd Engineering Installation Squadron in South Portland and all told, he gave his service to our country for over 28 years. As part of this service, he saw assignments in the United Arab Emirates Persian Gulf, Iraq and two deployments in Afghanistan.
He was employed with the United States Postal Service for over ten years and at the time of his passing, he was Active Duty state side with his National Guard Unit.
He met and married the love of his life, Milca Rabelo Small, in May of 2005 and immediately became part of her large extended family from Brazil, where he tried to master the art of speaking Portuguese, albeit unsuccessfully. Love has no language barriers, however, and he was welcomed into his wife's family of 11 siblings with open arms.
Thomas leaves behind his wife of 14 years, Milca Small; his parents Duane Small of Westbrook and Englewood, Fla., his mother Martha Small of Saco; his sister and brother- in-law Heidi Small and Matthew Barney and their family of Falmouth, Maine; and his mother and father-in-law Maria and Antonio Rabelo of Brazil. All members of his Brazilian family were dear to him, but he will be especially missed by his sister and brother-in- law Raquel and Henrique Linsmeyer and his special niece Sophia in Melbourne, Australia. His nephew, Noah Barney, carries on his uncle's service tradition having joined the Air National Guard and leaving for Basic training just one day before Tom's passing. His faithful companion, Mollie, always by his side, will also miss him dearly.
Ever the patriot, he was also a loving husband, son, brother and uncle, but most of all, he was a good man. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to neighbors, Tony and Maryellen Bourbon, who were there in his time of need and to the North Berwick Police, Fire and Rescue for their response and heroic efforts.
A celebration of life with a full military honor service will be held Sunday, March 3, at 11 a.m. at Spring Hill, 117 Pond Rd., South Berwick, Maine 03908. Interment will be in the spring at Highland Cemetery, Carmel, Maine.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Johnson Funeral Home, 26 Market St., North Berwick, ME. Condolences and memories may be expressed at www.JohnsonFuneralHomeME.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Thomas' memory to the:
Duane L. Small
Scholarship
UMF Alumni Office
292 Maine St.
Farmington, ME 04938 or:
North Berwick Rescue
P.O. Box 324
North Berwick, ME 03906
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Small
Duane Small
February 10, 2020
Thursday will mark the first anniversary of Thomas passing. Its been a tough year for Milca, Heidi and Mathew, Martha and David and me. Its been a year of firsts - the first of birthdays, family gatherings, and holidays without him. The pain still exists in its sharpness. Ive come to accept that Thomas is gone but that doesnt lessen the loss. Im thankful for the 49 years we had and the man he became. Im also thankful for the family and friends whove stayed close and been very helpful.
Rick O'Donnell
March 3, 2019
Although I've been retired from the 243rd EIS for 20 years, I remember when Tom joined the unit. He was always inquisitive, sincere and willing to help. My thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family at this difficult time. May Tom Rest-in-Peace!
Rick O'Donnell
Nancy L Jones (friend from Flynn's)
February 25, 2019
My sincerest condolences. Thomas was such a sweet soul & will truly be missed.
February 24, 2019
So very sorry for your loss.JOHN 6:40.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Debi Turner
February 24, 2019
We would like to express our deepest condolences. All of us at Johnson's Seafood and Steak will miss Tom. His humor and smile will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Johnson's Seafood and steak
Lori Berard
February 22, 2019
My condolences to the family and his beautiful wife Milca. I will remember how kind hearted he was.
February 20, 2019
I was honored and blessed to have known Tom. He was a great example of strength and integrity, someone to emulated as a leader in our unit. May the Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief.
CMSgt Tedd Slater, retired
February 19, 2019
To the Small Family:
On behalf of a grateful nation, and the VFW Auxiliary/Post #4485 in Somersworth, NH, we wish to acknowledge your loved one's service to our country, and send our deepest condolences on your loss.
VFW Past Auxiliary President,
Cathy Burns
February 19, 2019
Hello Milca,
This Sandra's husband Bruce and I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your husband Thomas. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to met him but from what I read he sounds like a great person! Sandra and I will see you on March 3rd for the celebration of life. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time!
Ronald Benner
February 19, 2019
Tom took my place when I retired from the Cape Neddick Post Office. He was a wonderful man and I was honored that a patriot like Tom took my place. My thoughts are with his wife and his family. A wonderful man taken much too soon. God bless.
February 17, 2019
Thank you for your service.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Small's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Small
Funeral services provided by:
Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services - North Berwick26 Market Street P.O. Box 475, North Berwick, ME 03906
People and places connected with Thomas
Recent Obituaries
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Small's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
