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Thomas Lewis Obituary
Tom was born the sixth child of Marie (O'Sullivan) Lewis and Hugh Elvet Lewis in Bronx, NY on May 16, 1955. Tom grew up in the Bronx, spending his later summers at his family's cottage in New Fairfield, CT, life guarding at Ball Pond. He graduated from Manhattan College in 1977 and went on to study at the University of Vermont's College of Medicine, earning his M.D. degree in 1981. He chose to stay in the area for his residency, living in Norwich, VT and working at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where he met his future wife of 29 years, Marcia. He then went on to complete a fellowship in colon and rectal surgery in Santa Barbara, CA, afterwards moving back East to raise his family in Conway, MA. He worked in private practice for 25 years in Northampton, MA and most recently practiced as a general surgeon at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.
Beyond medicine, Tom was an enthusiastic outdoorsman, spending much of his free time exploring the mountains and valleys of Vermont and Western Mass by foot, bike and ski. While living in Conway he dove headfirst into country living, deciding to raise a pair of oxen, whom he chose to name after his two brothers. He taught all his kids how to yolk and maneuver the oxen, entering them in many fairs in the area. At home, he used the oxen to collect sap for a small maple sugaring operation, which sweetened the lives of many friends and family.
Tom was an avid reader and lifelong learner; he especially enjoyed reading about American history and recently began exploring an interest in Shakespeare. He often traveled with multiple books in tow to read during spare moments throughout the day. Along with reading, he had a fondness for writing poetry and attending plays and performances in the region.
Tom always enjoyed sharing his love of Vermont with his family on weekend getaways to Saxtons River, VT and later Newark, VT. He was ecstatic when two of his children chose to attend college in the state and often would drop by campus unannounced to treat them to dinner or just a visit. His children were his pride and joy in life and he was passionate about supporting them in all their endeavors, be it attending horse shows or baseball games or snowmobiling the backcountry of Vermont. He was looking forward to retirement so he could travel and spend more time with his children and family.
Tom will be missed dearly by his loving family, including Marcia Lewis and his children Brian, Connor and Ellie Lewis. Tom is also survived by his siblings Maureen Dangelo, Jean Shen, Bob Lewis and Ken Lewis, their spouses and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Marie and Hugh Elvet Lewis and sister, Virginia Chandler. His family will most miss the humor and compassion he brought to their lives and to those around him.
Services will be held at the Hawks and Reed event space in Greenfield, MA on Saturday March 30th, 2019 at 11:30 am. All are welcome to attend and share stories about Tom at the service or with the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom's name to the Rochester Area Sports Trail Alliance at www.rastavt.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Lewis
Stephanie Nurenberg
March 9, 2025
Time passes but memories remain. Dr Lewis was so kind, generous, and talented. His medical and personal care of my son more than 20 years ago still brings me to grateful tears. Now, an adult in his 40s, David and I still recall clearly the competent , personal, beyond textbook medical care he received .
Patrick Parisi
September 13, 2023
I just learned from Nat Selleck of Tom´s passing, so sad. My sincerest condolences to Marcia and his family. Many great memories of our lifeguarding days at NFTP in New Fairfield.
rick john
March 9, 2022
I miss him more than I can say. RIP Tom. thank you for everything.
Art Daube
November 18, 2020
Shocked to find out about my old lifeguard buddy Tommy Lewis! We worked many summers together at New Fairfield Town Park and Ball Pond in CT. I spent a wild weekend with him while he was at UVM Med School. He took school very seriously but knew how to offset the pressure by having a good time. I remember Tom taking me into one of the Med School labs where they constructed a mini-brewery without the profs ever finding out. A few years later, he arrived at my wedding with a gigantic can of Vermont Maple Syrup. I met Marcia at their wedding. Was she prepared for what she was getting into? That was a fun night! My ex and I followed that up with a weekend with Tommy and Marcia at their place near White River Junction while he was at Dartmouth in the early 80's. They were throwing a party that night and, as usual, he was the life of the party. Marcia grilled me t
about his teenage years because she wanted to know what she missed. We had a great rest of the weekend but it was the last time I saw them. Looking back at our formative years as teenagers in New Fairfield, Tommy was clearly the most academically gifted person I knew. His love of the outdoors and the Cleveland Indians were obvious to all. He became Supervisor of our beach and lifeguard crew during our college years. He was a good boss too. Tommy took pride in our little operation but also knew that spending summers on our beaches on Lake Candlewood and Ball Pond was also to be enjoyed. You could usually hear the sounds of Blue Cheer's first album Vincebus Eruptum cranked up loud in from his little pick-up truck as he pulled into the parking lot every day. Our annual lifeguard campouts on uninhabitable portions of Lake Candlewood were legendary. We had many great times, but you knew he had a calling in medicine which would transform his life. As I read about the part of his life I missed, I am so happy that Tom and Marcia raised a great family and his love of the outdoors remained a passion. And I am pleased to read comments from his colleagues and patients which confirm that he fulfilled his professional goals and left his mark in medicine. RIP Tommy! I will never forget you! And to Marcia and his family... my deepest condolences. And thank you for giving him such a wonderful life!
Miss you
Brian
April 13, 2019
Audrey Cape Cod
April 7, 2019
Connor and family, I am so saddened to hear about your dad. Thoughts and prayers with you.
Shaunna Little
March 30, 2019
I met Dr. Tom when I started at BMH 4 years ago. He would workout in the gym AKA my office and chat it up. He met my 3 girls one day and really enjoyed laughing with my twins. Anytime I saw him he always asked how my girls were. He loved hearing my stories about what they were up to. I will miss our many chats in the hallway or while he was working out. He was a great Doctor who took pride in his job and wonderful care of his patients. This is a huge loss for our hospital and our community. Miss you Dr. Tom.
March 26, 2019
I worked with Dr. Lewis. I only worked per diem, so I wasn't around often, but he always greeted me by name. When he needed a phone number or other information, he would personally come to ask rather than just call me. He was definitely one of the most pleasant doctors to work with!
My condolences to his family, his presence will be missed.
George Fjeld
March 24, 2019
I'm very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. As a med school classmate and fellow backcountry skier, I know our time on this earth is limited and must be appreciated. I also know that Tom's time was too short but very well spent. My condolences to Marcia and family.
Sheri
March 23, 2019
I am so saddened and shocked to learn of Dr Lewis' death. I met Dr Lewis this past year as he helped a friend, and only this past February he helped a family member with an issue that had been plaguing her for years. She is finally now, well, thanks to Dr Lewis. He was supportive, funny, and though I only knew him briefly, he instilled confidence in my loved one and me that she would fully recover. I trusted, respected and liked him, instantly.
I am grateful he helped the people I care about and grateful to have known him. He will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and the staff at BMH who will surely miss him for a long time to come. We're losing a really good man and a skilled, compassionate, valuable member of our medical community.
Thank you, Dr Lewis. I'm glad I got to meet you, and very sorry to say goodbye.
March 23, 2019
REST IN PEACE DR. LEWIS YOU WERE GREATLY VALUED AND WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY MANY. HE ALWAYS THANKED ME FOR ALLOWING HIM TO TREAT ME. WHAT A GRACIOUS AND CARING PERSON.
MARY w
March 22, 2019
Marcia and family: I am deeply saddened by Tom's passing. He was a friend and I will miss him very much. I will be at the service and would like to share a story about him. My thoughts are with you all in this most difficult time. Rick John, Brattleboro.
April Lawrence
March 21, 2019
I fondly remember working with Tom at Springfield Hospital and we are shocked at hearing of his passing. He was not only a very skilled surgeon but an absolutely wonderful guy as well. We used to compare notes on sugaring and I loved his oxen stories. Condolences are being sent from Vt.
Debbie Sjodahl
March 21, 2019
I am so shocked to hear about Tom's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Brian Lewis
March 20, 2019
My dad, was the most wonderful man and most influential person in my life. He knew my strengths and weaknesses and knew how to keep me on the right path for success. I'll miss his handshakes his stories his ability to make me happy under any circumstance he was truly amazing.
I appreciate everyone writing about him, he touched many lives and I'm so happy he was a part of mine.
Fred Piel
March 20, 2019
So sorry to hear this news. Tom was a UVM Med school classmate and a friend. I remember his smile and his enthusiasm. I'm sure his passing will leave a huge hole in his family's life.
March 20, 2019
I'm so sorry to hear about Tom. I knew him over 25 years as a physician in Northampton. He was such a fine man. Please accept my condolences to Marcia and the whole family..
Sincerely,
Dr. Bill Smith,Haydenville Ma.
Mary
March 19, 2019
So sad to hear of Dr. Lewis's death. He understood people, their challenges, and tried to have a positive impact on their lives. He was a kind hearted man who valued his children and was looking forward to the next stage of his life. Rest In Peace Tom.
Fairy Meadows trip, BC, Canada
Fred Rouillard
March 19, 2019
I was looking forward to seeing you for our backcountry ski day in Vermont that we had planned to do in coming weeks.
You certainly took the shortest way to highest point!
My sincere condolences to the family and close ones.
Bob Currie
March 19, 2019
I had the pleasure of beginning a friendship with the ever-smiling Tom on a softball team which elevated to the Gonzo Golf Tournament in the hills of Ashfield. Most times it was good crazy fun. However he could burrow to your soul and find your strengths in life and keep you focused on the path. What a loss, my condolences.
March 18, 2019
So very sorry and condolences to his family for there loss! Tom was my doctor for over 30years and I am a cancer survivor because of his care! Rest In Peace my friend fly with the Angels Connie Weldon
Eileen Brown
March 18, 2019
So very sorry to hear about Dr Lewis's passing. I am still in shock. He was my doctor and I owe him my life. He was brilliant, kind, and most compassionate. He will be sorely missed.
Warmly,
Eileen
March 18, 2019
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the death of your dear love one may God give you strength to endure this most difficult time of your life please read John 6:40
John Heffernan
March 18, 2019
Sorry to hear of your loss. Tom was a fun and friendly neighbor and would always welcome our young son on visits to the animals or the sugar shack.
March 17, 2019
Dr. Lewis was able to diagnose, treat and rid me of a condition that had plagued me and baffled other physicians for 30 years. I owe so much of my current quality of life to him. A wonderful, caring healer. So sorry for his passing!
Bethann (Horyschuk) Ells
March 17, 2019
I was heart broken to hear of the passing of Dr. Lewis. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Lewis many years ago at CDH. He was a kind, compassionate person with a contagious smile! My deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have met him.
March 17, 2019
My deepest condolences to Dr. Tom's family. I knew Tom as a teenager, when he spent summers at Ball Pond in New Fairfield, Connecticut. He was always a great guy. I was friends with the Lewis family for years, and his oldest sister, Virginia, was my sister-in-law. I know he will be missed.
J B
March 17, 2019
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family of Thomas Lewis during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. Psalm 116:15
Andy Jaffe
March 17, 2019
Sorry I couldn't figure out to sign my picture (from the sugar house). Andy Jaffe
Anne Massucco
March 17, 2019
Sorry for your loss. I knew Tom as a medical student two years ahead of me at UVM College of Medicine - such a nice guy - my prayers are with all of you - Anne Massucco, MD
Dave Lewis
March 17, 2019
I had the pleasure of TWO Thomas Lewis M.D's in this life (2). The first, being my father. The second, being Tom Lewis the surgeon........
Thank you Tom, for being there in some lucky peoples darkest, worst days, in some cases, and helping to make it all better. A talent that a precious few have.
I will never forget the horror of appendicitis and the reassurance of one cell phone call to you to say enough was enough. Third time was a charm.....
Thank you for letting me shoot hockey pucks at you while trying to find the back of the net. Those were some good nights and rampant energy well spent.
I trust you died in the high Montana mountains pursuing the same thing I pursue almost every morning..........but can never catch, contain or truly capture.
Rest assured, Loved Ones and Friends,........,
Tom died pursuing a passion, I'm sure. A passion that for some folks, leads some to the remotest places known, or unknown, where the impressions made are moving and remarkable.
Tom Lewis made an impression upon me, that wiill be life long lasting, deep and never to be forgotten.
Thank you Tom.
God speed. Rest easy. But never stop pursuing the passions that call you. Ever. PEACE BE WITH ALL .
Sincerely and pursuing always,
David S. Lewis
March 16, 2019
Thank you Tom for your friendship and generosity, and for all those years of sharing the unique comaraderie of the sugar house with your family and friends.
Kimberly Tefft
March 16, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Lewis. I truly enjoyed the opportunity I had to work with and learn from Dr. Lewis, he will be missed.
Steev Lynn
March 16, 2019
Many of us knew him as our goalie. The fact that Tom was an avid ice hockey player somehow got left out. His absence will be very strange to the Brattleboro ice hockey community. Glad you lived life to the fullest Tom, right up to the end, but we'll miss you.
March 16, 2019
He was such a great man! Sending love and good vibes to his family. Rest easy Dr. Lewis
Jeremiah Rood
March 16, 2019
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
March 16, 2019
stephanie nurenberg
March 16, 2019
Shocked and saddened. Dr.Lewis was a gentle,caring,competent surgeon.Operated on my then adolescent son in the 1990's, followed up for a year with painful treatments made more tolerable by his sharing his love of literature and humor. Dr.Lewis would come into his office on weekends to accommodate my son's out of town college schedule. We have lost a really decent man. May his soul rest in peace.
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
March 15, 2019
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any mans death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
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