Thomas W. Heinonen

WINDHAM

Thomas W. Huff Heinonen passed away suddenly on December 9th 2025 at the age of 78. Born June 23, 1947, he was a lifelong resident of Windham, and graduated from Windham High School in 1965, playing Guard for the Whippets' Varsity football team. His Finnish heritage, and the spirit of Sisu were instrumental in forming his character. Tom enjoyed riding and working on motorcycles and ran his own shop, The Whole Cycle in the 1970s. In 1980, he fulfilled his dream of opening The World War II Victory Museum in Willimantic with his brother Glenn, sharing their extensive knowledge and collection of memorabilia with the public. He passed on a lifelong love of learning, drawing, reading and storytelling to his four children. Throughout the years, he shared his writing talent and strongly informed opinions with many publications from Easy Rider Magazine to newspapers throughout Connecticut, winning the Hartford Courant Letter Writers Award in 2008. He also masterminded many wildly creative screenplays. He took great pride in not devoting too much time to any one employer, boasting over 40 job stints throughout the years. A foodie before the term was popularized, he held the title Founder of the International Meatloaf Society CT Chapter. Huff enjoyed dancing and music, especially the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Always sharing his quick wit through jokes, prank calls, and ball-busting, much to the enjoyment; and occasional dismay of his targets. In recent years, he enjoyed the monthly First Friday Luncheon Reunions with fellow Whippet alumni and took pride in the groups support of numerous community charities. Spending time with his grandchildren, especially around the pool and in the sauna, had brought him many smiles and happiness in recent years.

Tom was predeceased by his father, Ennu T. Heinonen and mother, Eileen M. (Walter) Heinonen, and brother, Neil. He is survived by his sister, Susan and brothers, Glenn, Mark and Keith, children, Ethan, Nils, Saya and Lance, and grandchildren, Luka, Scarlett and Nico. A vocal nonbeliever in organized religion (all denominations), he would have wanted readers to consider his favorite quote, often attributed to the philosopher mile Zola Civilization will not attain to it's perfection until the last stone from the last church falls on the last priest.

Thomas W. Huff Heinonen