Thomas Anthony Poulin

Thomas Anthony Poulin, age 89, of Geneva, IL, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family, on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Tom was born on September 8, 1936, in Newport, RI, to Lawrence and Beatrice Poulin. On June 8, 1968, he married Mary Jane Finn in Lewiston, ME. Together they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories.

Tom pursued his studies at Boston College and also completed his postgraduate education at The Dehon Seminary. A child of God, he lived his life as a devoted Catholic, guided by faith, compassion, and purpose. He will be remembered first and foremost as a loving and dedicated family man, whose proud devotion to his family defined his life. A natural protector, he cared deeply for his family, respected animals, and stood firmly by the values he held dear. Tom was known for his fairness, kindness, and genuine love for everyone he encountered. A tireless worker, he dedicated himself to providing for his family. Tom's love of learning was lifelong and wide-ranging, spanning languages, cultures, history, and classical music. He deeply valued cultural understanding and the shared humanity that connects us all. Inherently humble, Tom's innate disposition was to learn about others and to always put their needs and wishes before his own.

Tom played a pivotal role in the development of the equestrian sport of dressage from its early beginnings in the United States. He served as Assistant Team Coach to the Olympic teams of both Sweden and Mexico, was Vice President at the American Dressage Institute, a founding member of the United States Dressage Federation, a supporting founder of the New England Dressage Association, a founding member of the American School of Dressage, a USEF Licensed Official ("S" judge) for 50 years, a faculty member of the USDF Judges Education Program, and most recently the recipient of the U.S. Influential Equestrian Impact Award. Tom's contributions were fundamental to the growth and advancement of dressage in the United States, helping to establish the foundation for the sport's competitive success at the highest level. Without Tom's unwavering dedication to education, correct training, and the support of emerging athletes, dressage in the U.S. would only be a shadow of the strong and enduring legacy he leaves behind.

Tom is survived by his spouse, Mary Jane Poulin; his children: Kristopher Poulin of San Diego, CA, Thomas II (Brianne) Poulin of Elgin, IL, Elizabeth Poulin of Milton, FL, Ruth (Reed) Vostal of Geneva, IL, Anne Poulin of Geneva, IL; his grandchildren: Hayden, Brennan, Lilly, Thomas III, and Francesca; his siblings; William Poulin, Mary Young, and Michael Poulin.

Tom was preceded in death by parents: Lawrence and Beatrice Poulin; his siblings: Lorraine, Lawrence, Joyce, James, David, Lucy, and Tony.

Visitation will be from 1:00 – 5:00 pm on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at Yurs Funeral Home in St. Charles, IL. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Monday, January 26, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Crane Road in St. Charles. Burial will follow the Mass at Union Cemetery in St. Charles.

To leave an online condolence or remembrance to the family, visit the funeral homes obituary page at www.yursfuneralhomes.com. For more information, please call Yurs Funeral Home of St. Charles, 630-584-0060.