Thomas N. Daniels Sr.

Thomas N. Daniels Sr., "TOMA"

1955-2026

Thomas N. Daniels Sr., "Toma," 70, of Augusta, Maine, passed away unexpectedly at home of natural causes on March 7, in the arms of his wife after a night that suited him perfectly- good food, dancing, and being with the love of his life.

Born in Augusta on August 15, 1955, Toma was the beloved son of Barbara D. Caldwell. He attended Augusta schools and graduated from Cony High School in 1975, later attending MCI prep school. Toma played both basketball and football and was very proud he was a part of the Cony High School Basketball State Championship win in 1973. Toma became a Union Electrician and worked in nearly every mill in the state before eventually landing at CMP, where he retired after more than 25 years. Retirement didn't slow him down much. He soon became a self-described "professional driver" at O'Connor's Auto Park, which he enjoyed & made many new friends.

More than anything, Toma loved his family fiercely, especially his high school sweetheart and forever love, Sue. The two were married barefoot on the beach in Old Orchard Beach in 1983, a place that became a favorite and where they spent many summers vacationing with their kids. Toma is survived by the person he cherished most, his wife Susan Lettre Daniels; his daughter Jasmine "Quag" Daniels; his son Thomas Daniels Jr. and wife Rita; and his two grandsons, Lincoln and Connor "The Bash Bros.", who meant the absolute world to him; his mother Barbara D. Caldwell; his sisters Pam Schalger, Ann Minoty, Melinda and husband Scott Laliberte, Susan and husband Andre Houde, and Janet Caldwell. He was predeceased by his father figure Elliott Caldwell, his brother John Daniels, brother-in-law Gordon Schlager, and many close friends and family.

Toma worked hard, but he played just as hard. Over the years he built a circle of loyal friends stretching from his elementary school days right into his later years. Whether it was Tuesday night meetings at "the office," golf trips, bowling nights, trips to camp, ice fishing, snowmobiling, BBQs featuring Toma's famous ribs, or late-night bonfires, Toma showed up ready for a good time. The bond he shared with his buddies was one of those rare friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Some of Toma's favorite things in life were simple: garage beers, slow dancing in the kitchen, long rides to nowhere, taking out his new boat while Sue soaked up the sun on the bow, hunting and fishing with his son and grandsons, cheap vodka(unless Jazz buys him a top shelf bottle), watching sports, time at camp, and any moment when Sue, the kids, and the grandkids were all together in the same place.

Toma was deeply involved in youth sports over the years, whether coaching kids or helping upgrade and maintain the fields. To him, sports are about more than the game- they teach lessons, build character, and develop the life skills that shape who kids become. He believed every kid deserved a chance to play. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Maine Youth Sports Opportunity Fund at mysof.org.