Thomas Joseph (Coach)

Thomas J. Auclair (Coach)

November 12, 1946 – October 2, 2025

Putnam - Thomas Joseph Auclair (Coach), 78, passed away on October 2, and is now at peace. Tom and his wife Janet Auclair were married 54 years, raising their family in the town of Putnam. Tom was a graduate and scholar athlete at Putnam High School. He later attended Eastern Connecticut State University where he pursued a master's degree in education. His dedication and love for the profession coincided with a passion for coaching. In 1977 Tom was hired at Tourtellotte Memorial High School where he served as both a teacher and coach for over 30 years. He also spent time as a referee for the Eastern Board of Officials for basketball. Tom's joy came from baseball- a pitcher in college, an avid Red Sox fan, and a coach of both the high school Tourtellotte Memorial team as well as the American Legion Zone 9 team. From 1977- 1997 his high school team only missed one state tournament in 1993. His years of coaching American Legion also produced many successful seasons of high caliber baseball. Tom's work ethic and "tough love" approach to coaching didn't just teach the game, but taught his players how to be successful in life. Tom and his family enjoyed each season, spring and summer, packing up to travel with his teams and their families. So many memories were made, both on the field and off, that will always be cherished by Tom's family.

After retirement in 2006 from both teaching and coaching, Tom and his wife Jan lived their best life in Avon Park, Florida through the winter months where they enjoyed the company of many friends from Northeastern Connecticut. They would return north each summer to spend time with their kids and grandkids, and Tom would relentlessly work on his golf game. He was a member at both Quinnatisset Country Club in Thompson, as well as the River Greens Golf Course in Avon Park.

In addition to his wife Jan, Tom is survived by his children, Heidi Auclair-Golden and her husband Dennis, Adam Auclair, and Aaron Auclair and his wife Bethany. Tom also leaves his three sisters and a brother, Kate Cullen, Tracy Greene, Tammy Costa and Bernie Cullen. His first love was his wife, then his family, and baseball. Tom's later love and joy became his grandchildren. He leaves behind his granddaughters, Ava Golden and Leah Auclair, and grandsons Evan Auclair and Jax Golden. Tom was so proud of their accomplishments and all they have achieved both in school and in the sports they have played.

Tom Auclair was a friend, a teacher and a coach to so many over the years. His impact in our small part of the state will live on through the memories he made with so many.

The immediate family will be holding a private service for Tom at this time. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in late spring or early summer of 2026. Tom's family will be creating a Memorial Scholarship in his name and donations can be made to: The Tom Auclair Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 157, 366 Thompson Hill Road, Thompson CT 06277. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.