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Tom Severo Obituary
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Born in The Bronx, Tom was the devoted son of the late Jerry and Lucy (Picarello) Severo, and the beloved son-in-law of the late Robert and Mary (Barron) Staffier.
Tom was raised in Woburn, and grew up especially close to family in a neighborhood that featured both of his paternal uncles. Educated at Northern Essex Community College, Salem State College, and Antioch University, he attained an associates degree, a bachelor's degree, and a master's degree.
He was a career educator and soccer coach, having taught English at the Marshall Middle School and numerous classes and shops at Shawsheen Tech, each in Billerica.
In addition to ice cold Coca-Cola, the Celtics, and the Yankees, he loved staying active and involved in the lives of his students, athletes, three children, and four young grandchildren. A Shakespeare aficionado, he always knew the most appropriate quotation for any given situation and his penchant for storytelling entertained family and friends on countless occasions. Tom always believed that, upon someone's passing, the best way to honor them was to adopt one of their traits and incorporate it into your own life, ensuring that their memory and spirit lived on.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 9 am at St. Mary Parish, 25 North Road, Chelmsford. KINDLY MEET AT THE CHURCH. Interment will follow in St Joseph's Cemetery, Chelmsford. Memorial donations may be made in Tom's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Pat and Janice Nisco
June 1, 2025
Dear Maureen and family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Please know a candle is lit to the Blessed Mother in Tom's honor.
We will keep you all in our prayers.
Love, Pat and Janice xoxo
Tricia Jones Sarica
May 23, 2025
So saddened to hear of your passing .. you were my soccer coach at the Marshall (no Mr Severo I was not picking daisies)... because of you I can still say every preposition to the song you taught us . you were an amazing teacher, thank you for such wonderful memories.. my sincere condolences to all of your family
Chris Grandmaison
May 23, 2025
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Chris Coakley
May 20, 2025
The very best way I can think of to honor Tom, is as follows:
(To the tune if the battle hym of rhe republic)
Aboard, about, above, across, after, against, along,
Amid, among, around, at, before, behind, below,
Beneath, beside, between, beyond, but, by, down,
During, except, for, from!
In, into, like, near, of,
Off, on, over, past, since, through,
Throughout, to, towards, underneath, until, unto,
Up, upon, with, within, without!
He taught me that some 45 years ago. He was a good man. The first teacher that actually treated us like people.
I hope he rests easy. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Larry Retelle
May 20, 2025
We lost a good one last week-Tom, our friend and colleague who brought more to our high school than any job title could capture.
Tom was a paraprofessional, but that doesn´t begin to cover the role he played. During the chaotic, uncertain COVID year, he was assigned to help me in Advanced Manufacturing-a subject he openly admitted he knew almost nothing about. But it didn´t matter. What Tom lacked in technical knowledge, he more than made up for with what truly matters: he understood people. He understood students. And he had a gift for classroom management that can´t be taught.
Every new exploratory group, Tom and I would kick things off with a little skit-a tradition that somehow turned into a rite of passage. He´d do his famous number 11 trick, turning a simple math trick into a moment of wonder, and always getting a laugh or a raised eyebrow from the kids. It was silly, it was unexpected, and it worked. The students leaned in, relaxed, and felt like they belonged. That was Tom´s magic.
He made the room feel lighter. He backed me up without hesitation. He kept things moving when I was pulled in five directions. He connected with students who didn´t connect with anyone else. He made our classroom stronger, calmer, better.
Tom didn´t need to be the expert in manufacturing-he was an expert in being human. And that made all the difference.
I miss him already.
Larry Retelle
Former Student
May 19, 2025
Mr. Severo was my 7th grade English teacher at the Marshall Middle School in the early 1990s. Great person, great teacher, just a lot a fun to be around. Our class bought him a Larry Bird Team USA/Olympic Basketball jersey as a class gift at the end of the school year. We surprised him with the shirt one morning before school when he was shooting hoops in the gym. To say he was beyond grateful and gracious is an understatement. Just a great guy. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Rita and Tony Cestone
May 19, 2025
Dear Severo Family and Cousin Gerry Irr, and family
Our deepest sympathy to you all on the passing of my cousin Tom. I will always remember my days of vacation that I had the pleasure of spending with my relatives in Woburn. Memories live on even though we haven't seen one another in a long time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May Tom rest in peace. Cousins Rita (Picarello) and Tony Cestone and family.
Mike Hutton
May 19, 2025
I remember Mr. Severo from English at the Marshall Middle School. His lecture on "Smell A Vision", always stayed with me. He also predicted that the POTUS would be more than a one person job. He was a man with an imagination, and helped his students think beyond what was to what could be. RIP Mr. Severo, appreciated you very much. Thank you
Jim Duffy
May 19, 2025
Despite his love for the Yankees, Tom was one of the kindest, most generous, most thoughtful people we´ve ever known. Grateful to call him a friend. He will be dearly missed by everyone lucky enough to have entered into his welcoming orbit.
Duff and Debbie
Carol and Mickey Ouellette
May 19, 2025
Dear Maureen and family we are the proud parents of the 3 Ouellette girls that had the privilege of being the beneficiary of Tom's warmth love and dedication to players. Our memories are boundless. We are so saddened for your loss. He will forever be remembered by our family. Life wouldn't have been the same without all he gave to all of us. He just gave all he had to all he met. Our sincerest condolences and God bless.
With love and respect,
Carol and Mickey Ouellette
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24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824
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