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Thomas “Tom” Willard Hale, 52, of Gardner, Massachusetts, passed away on April 14, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus in Worcester. Born in Keene, New Hampshire. Tom lived a life full of passion, purpose, and love. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors—whether it was camping with his family, hiking through nature, or watching and playing sports. His love for the game and the great outdoors was only rivaled by his love for his family.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate, Tammy Hale, and their sons, Danny Anderson and Jake Hale, all of whom were the center of his world.
Tom was a man of quiet strength and steady presence. Selfless by nature, he was always up and doing whatever he could to support those around him—often subtly, without recognition or fanfare. Many of the ways he helped others may have even gone unnoticed, but their impact was lasting and deeply felt. He was the kind of person who showed up without needing to be asked, often helping friends and family with projects around their homes—putting up walls, installing flooring, fixing whatever needed fixing. Some even joked they’d start home projects knowing full well they couldn’t finish them—because they knew Tommy would be there to help. And he always was.
To know Tom was to love him. He had an incredible sense of humor and a magnetic personality that made everyone feel at home. He became everyone’s dad, everyone’s best friend, and the guy you wanted around whether you needed advice, a laugh, or just someone to sit with. He was the kind of person who brought people together and made life better just by being in it. At the heart of Tom’s life was his deep and unwavering love for Tammy. Their relationship was a true love story- one built on mutual respect, trust, laughter, and devotion. Together, they shared a bond that was visible to everyone who knew them—a partnership full of warmth, strength, and genuine connection. They were not only husband and wife but true teammates in every sense of the word. His loss is a tremendous tragedy, not only for his family but for the many friends who became like family—people whose lives were shaped and strengthened by Tom’s kindness, loyalty, and love. His absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled, but his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched. Tom’s legacy is one of quiet impact, deep relationships, and a love for life that radiated through everything he did. He will be missed more than words can express—and remembered always with love.
Calling hours for Tom will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the Mack Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 p.m. in the funeral home. His burial will be private.
If you wish to make a memorial contribution, please consider the families gofundme, at https://gofund.me/e5fbf210
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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