Thomas L. Niland

Thomas Lawrence Niland of Wallingford, Connecticut, beloved husband of the late Marcella Niland, passed away after a brief illness on February 22, 2026. Tom was born in Meriden, Connecticut in 1934, and was the son of the late Marie and Walter Niland. He resided in Wallingford for most of his life.

He was a graduate of Southington High School and served in the United States Air Force for four years. After his years of service, he was employed by the Southern New England Telephone Company until his retirement. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Parish.

Tom is survived by his sons and daughters, Gayle (Niland) Golas, Gregg and Kathy (Maynard) Niland, Gerald and Shelly (Baribault) Niland, Gloria Niland and her long-term partner Dave Stakey, as well as Patricia (Lobo) Niland. He also leaves behind two brothers, Jeffrey and Roger Niland. Tom is also survived by 21 cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. Other survivors include several loving nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, Marcy, he was pre-deceased by his sons, Glenn Thomas Niland and Gary Lawrence Niland. He was also pre-deceased by his brother, Jack Niland.

Tom will live on in his relatives' and friends' fond memories. These memories will include managing to fit family members and their friends into the car for camping, sledding, skating or fishing. His motto was – "We will fit you in if you want to join us". The same applied to Marcy and Tom's welcoming home. The porch attached to the house was always full of cots for nephews and nieces who wanted to sleep over. The house was full of laughter, often initiated by Tom's unlimited supply of jokes. Occasions were celebrated with birthday parties and pool parties. Tom was a master of building puzzles and playing cards. Lately, what made him smile most was the little fingers of his great-grandchildren grasping his fingers as they slept in Poppy's lap.

His family will receive relatives and friends at the Wallingford Funeral Home 809 N. Main St. Ext., Wallingford on Monday March 2nd from 9:00-10:30am. His funeral procession will then leave the funeral home at 10:30 for a Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Fatima Church 382 Hope Hill Rd. Wallingford at 11am. Interment, with military honors, will follow in the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown.