Thomas R. Altieri

11/2/1944 - 12/30/2023

Thomas Altieri, 79, of Ashford, CT, passed away unexpectedly at his home Saturday, December 30, 2023. He was the son of the late Thomas and Eunice (Helin) Altieri. Born in Meriden, CT, Tom proudly served as a Meriden USPS letter carrier for 38 years making many friends along the way. One of Tom's first passions in life was weight lifting. He started out at an early age and continued throughout his entire life. He was a member of the Meriden YMCA barbell club. This physical attribute gave him the mental fortitude to greet life's tribulations with a smile. Tom was a lover of animals and nature. As a dogsled enthusiast, he possessed the hearts of more than 20 Huskies during his time as a musher. He and his wife spent many hours running their team and visiting local schools doing demonstrations. Tom's love for his family, friends and dogs knew no bounds. He loved to laugh and could often be found on the phone playing a practical joke on some lucky recipient. Tom's home was his pride and joy where he built a Vietnam war memorial, dog sled museum, weight lifting room and a workshop. He was very handy with tools and loved building things, always thinking ahead to his next project. Tom was fascinated with the metaphysical possibilities of life after death. He saw the end of his life incarnate as a new and exciting chapter. It is one he met head on with no fear but rather the courage of a sailor who sets off into the vast unknown. Tom leaves behind his loving wife Joanne (Bordonaro) of 58 years and daughter Jeannine Altieri; brother David Altieri; many nieces and nephews, including Derek (Tammy), Daren (Danielle), Nathan, Sarah, Cody, and Dakota Altieri; sister-in-law Andrea Bordonaro (Theresa Wanat); and many, many friends. He was predeceased by a brother Richard. As we celebrate his life we recall the lessons to be learned from his existence: live with compassion, integrity, honesty, tolerance and acceptance of whatever may come. Tom was one of a kind and shall be greatly missed! A memorial luncheon at his home is planned for late January, date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's name can be made to the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department, 46 Westford Rd., Ashford, CT 06278, or your local humane society. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com