Thomas Howard Furgalack

Thomas Howard Furgalack, 76, of Calabash, NC, husband of Linda (Morrissey) Furgalack, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024. Born on December 17, 1947, in Meriden, CT, Tom was the son of the late Victor and Doris (Taylor) Furgalack. He spent his early years on East Main Street in a vibrant, multi-generational home, surrounded by his brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He graduated from St. Rose of Lima School and Maloney High School in 1965.
Tom proudly served as a Petty Officer First Class on several aircraft carriers, including the USS America. Following his service, he attended Middlesex Community College, later earning a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Connecticut State University. Tom pursued his passion for public health by completing a Master's in Public Health Management from Southern Connecticut State University, where he later returned to teach food safety.
In 1975, Tom began his impactful career at the Connecticut Department of Public Health, ultimately serving as Director of the Division of Environmental Health. He retired in 2003 after 28 years of dedicated service, ready to enjoy life's simpler pleasures: golf, reading, and gardening.
Tom had a passion for golf, spending hours on the course, and cherished moments on his deck or sun porch with a good book. He and Linda initially split their time between their Meriden home and their condo at Crow Creek Golf Course. The friendships they formed at Crow Creek, along with the vibrant community, inspired them to build a permanent home there in 2022. Friends all over will fondly remember Tom's off-beat humor and wit.
Along with his wife, Linda, Tom is survived by his daughter, Sarah Furgalack; brother, Michael Furgalack and his wife, Johanna; sister-in-law, Ann Furgalack; stepson, Chris Buganski and his wife, Melissa; stepdaughter, Sara DeSilva and her husband, Spencer; nieces, Traci Kilmartin and her husband, Shawn, Rebecca Furgalack, Taylor Furgalack, and Katie Furgalack; nephew, Michael Furgalack; and cousins, Mary Hilliker and her husband, William, Peter Ricci, Sally Ricci, and Jo-Ann Ricci. He was affectionately known as "TomTom" to his step-grandchildren, Hannah, Carter, Lexi, and Mason. Tom was predeceased by his brothers, Robert and John Furgalack, and his nephew, Lucas Furgalack.
Family and friends may gather to honor Tom's life during calling hours on Saturday, November 2, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden, CT. A religious service will begin at 3 p.m. followed by military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at jferryfh.com.