Thomas Emrich

Thomas Emrich, born on Christmas Day 1941 in Enid, Oklahoma, passed away at home with Ann by his side on Sunday, November 30, 2025, no doubt frustrated at having missed the golf season. Son to Veva Cochran and Lt. Colonel Jacob Emrich of the U.S. Army, he lived a life that felt like a gift unwrapped year after year. From his days at Eastern Military Academy in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, Tom carried a quiet discipline into a stellar career, serving as Director of Strategic Planning for LEGO Americas, where he helped build empires out of tiny bricks without ever once stepping on one barefoot.

In retirement, Tom's dedication shone bright in the Abbewood Homeowners Association, where he volunteered over 20 years as President and Treasurer, a role not for the faint of spreadsheet. He was adept at turning potential headaches into sound solutions, leaving Abbewood a better place and ensuring a beautiful community into the future.

As fortunate as Tom was in finding fulfilling and rewarding work, he was even more blessed when in 1985, he married Ann, the love of his life and the only person he ever let win an argument. They had 40 amazing years golfing, traveling, and escaping to Florida for the winter together. Having met at LEGO, they built a life more enduring and joyful than the cherished colorful brick creations they helped usher into the world, and with no missing pieces!

Tom's quiet humor intertwined with a heartfelt resilience that endeared him to all, and his well-timed quips made hard days softer and good days great. Whether out with Ann or his LEGO buddies golfing, planning the annual BOTS golf tournament, or with his family for the holidays, Tom was often the grounded throughline of a gathering. A wonderful cook, his two-turkey Thanksgiving feasts were perfection, and his blessings before the meal wrapped everyone in warmth and grace.

Tom and Ann were blessed to have Elvis Myers come into their lives and provide such gentle and loving care, and create a small, sacred space of peace at the end. They and their entire family are eternally grateful for his service.

Predeceased by his beautiful daughter Tammy and beach-loving son Timothy, Tom leaves behind his devoted wife Ann, son Thom, son Christopher and his wife Kim, and his grandchildren Samantha, Shannon, and Zachery Emrich, plus the whole loving Cecchini clan.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Friday, December 12th from 9:30am – 11:30am at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon at St. Michael's Church, 128 Maple Street, East Longmeadow, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Springfield Rescue Mission, 10 Mill Street, Springfield, MA 01108 ,in honor of Tom's generous heart. For online condolences please visit leetestevens.com