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Thomas J. Dembek

7/17/1947 - 10/22/2025

Thomas J. Dembek obituary, 7/17/1947-10/22/2025, Waterford, CT

BORN

7/17/1947

DIED

10/22/2025

FUNERAL HOME

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home

48 Grand Street

Niantic, Connecticut

Thomas Dembek Obituary

Waterford - Thomas J. Dembek, beloved partner, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully Oct. 22, 2025. Born July 17, 1947, to Eleanor and Frank Dembek, Tom lived a life dedicated to family service, community, and kindness.

He is survived by his life partner, Ann Nolan; his brother, Robert Dembek and wife Lucy; nieces, Allison Dembek and Melissa Guevara and her husband, Juan Pablo; and great-nephew, Matias Guevara. Tom also leaves behind his extended family, Kevin and Edith Nolan, Kimberly and Louis Nassetta, Kerri and David Bond; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Tom was educated at Saint Joseph School in New London and graduated from Saint Bernard School in Montville. After school, he joined the electrical union and went on to work at the Millstone Power Plant. His dedication to public service shone through in his instrumental role in developing the Waterford Dispatch Center and Ambulance Services. A longtime member and former chief of the Goshen Firehouse in Waterford, Tom exemplified leadership, commitment, and compassion.

Throughout his life, Tom gave selflessly of his time and talents. He volunteered with numerous organizations, mentored Boy Scouts, and guided new members of the firehouse. Though he received many honors and accolades for his service, Tom remained modest, humble, and deeply kind-a true gentleman who touched the lives of all who knew him.

Family and friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at Saint Agnes Church, 22 Haigh Street, Niantic, followed by interment at Saint Mary's Cemetery, New London.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory may be made to the Goshen Fire Department Inc. Scholarship Fund.

Tom will be remembered for his generous heart, unwavering dedication, and the countless ways he made the world a better place.

Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave the family an online condolence.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Oct. 28, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Dembek

Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home.

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2 Entries

Dorothy Bruce

October 30, 2025

Sincere condolences to all those affected by his loss. I knew him through Goshen and Millstone. My son-in-law was mentored by Tom at the firehouse. He was a good man, and dedicated to his community. Rest in peace Tom.

Dave Fairman

October 28, 2025

Rest in Peace Tom. Thanks for your lifetime of service, we have the watch now.

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Memorial Events
for Thomas Dembek

Oct

29

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home

48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357

Oct

30

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

St. Agnes Parish Center

22 Haigh Avenue, Niantic, CT 06357

Funeral services provided by:

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home

48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357

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