EXETER, N.H. - Thomas G. Meehan, 75, long-serving principal of Exeter Area Junior High, died after an extended illness on May 27, 2017. Born in Northampton, MA, on May 9, 1942, he earned his undergraduate degree from American International College and his graduate degrees from Springfield College.
He began his career at Turners Falls, MA, High School in 1964 teaching history. From there he served as Director of Guidance at Lyman Memorial High School in Lebanon, CT. His first position at Exeter Area Junior High School was as assistant principal from August, 1973 to June 1977, and he then served as principal from July, 1977 to June, 1998. During his tenure at EAJHS, the school received the Flag of Excellence from the US Department of Education. Upon his retirement, the performing arts auditorium at the Cooperative School in Stratham was dedicated to him.
He was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Evangeline, and his brother Howard J. Meehan, Jr. He is survived by a brother John, a sister-in-law Deborah Meehan, and his EAJHS family.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Brewitt Funeral Home, 14 Pine St., Exeter, NH.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael Church, Exeter, NH.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund in Tom's name is being set up and further details will be updated on www.brewittfuneralhome.com when available.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Recorder on Jun. 3, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Meehan

28 Entries

Annie Mattil

May 24, 2022

Remembering our great conversations while doing your hair! Hope you and Jodie are enjoying the Heavens above!

Ann Coyne

May 25, 2021

I’m sure you and Jodie are whooping it up there in heaven! Thinking of you often!!

Mark Chamberlain

July 20, 2020

Tom was unusually kind, smart as a whip and incredibly thoughtful. I have never met anyone who supported me as much as he did, helping me to get into school with recommendations and phone calls, and no one has ever kept me laughing out loud as much as he could. There was always a card in the mail or a message on my answering machine. He was a wonderful son and a loyal brother. He was more than a friend; he was a second father, and I loved him. I miss you Tom!

Anne Maddern

May 24, 2020

I still miss our very interesting conversations, and especially, our friendship. Id love for you to meet my grandsons, as Im sure you would mentor them the way you did my sons. You were such a good and generous man.

Bryan Miller

May 24, 2019

Still miss seeing you Mr Meehan

Jerry Melvin

January 29, 2018

Sad to say, I just learned of Tom's death. We were together in Turners Falls and I brought him to Exeter as Frank Kosacka's assistant. He was so good and kind to my family as the years went on. Tom was a true gentleman of the old school, I doubt whether we will see his kind ever again.

Thank you, Tom, for all the good days we had!

June 16, 2017

It is with great sorrow that I hear of the passing of Tom Meehan. I was a student at EAJHS when he first came to work there. He immediately established that there was "a new sheriff in town". Over the years I came to know him as a man who gave absolute devotion to his students and to the school. Much of the Exeter school system's reputation for excellence rests on his efforts, going back over forty years. I had the pleasure of spending a day on a team judging the Academic Decathlon with Tom back in the early 90s. This man knew how the teenage mind worked ! All of us who benefited from Tom's talents, whether as a student or a teacher in his school, are the better for that experience. To his family, I say many, many thanks for sharing Tom with us. RIP, Mr. Meehan. You have earned your reward.

Susan Gage

June 6, 2017

To this day, I speak in glowing terms about Tom Meehan's administration at Exeter AREA Jr. High. He was firm yet supportive of both students and faculty. A great, great man. May he rest in peace and rise in glory!

Paul Ford

June 5, 2017

Tom, you were an extraordinary man. Thank you for your mentorship and support for all the many years we worked together in Exeter. May Our Lord prepare a special room for you next to His side in heaven. Rest in Peace. You were an inspiration to so many of us.

Pam Bartlett Martin

June 4, 2017

I knew Mr. Meehan during my high school years at Turners Falls High School. He was a great man and I missed that I never had him as a teacher but the outings with him were remarkable and fun. He will be missed by so many who knew him. Rest in Peace as your journey has come to an end but a blessed one.

Ed Dion

June 4, 2017

Tom was a great teacher, mentor and friend. Ret in peace, Tom.

Cindy Wickline

June 3, 2017

He was a great history teacher. I had him in my Junior year for history. He was one teacher you never forget. He leaves an impression on you that stays with you forever. May you RIP. Turners Falls Class of '66 will never forget him.

Keith Crossman

June 3, 2017

"Thank You" Mr. Meehan. You are one of my most memorable teachers. Turners Falls High School, "66"

Anne Maddern

June 3, 2017

I often thought that my family and I had a unique relationship with Tom, but after reading these messages, I can see that we were one of many that he very quietly and generously gave of his time, his humor, his cards (often with gifts of money) and his encouragement.
Tom was our high school history teacher, and held advisory positions for National Honor Society, Student Council, Contemporary Affairs Club, Community Service Club, among others. Fresh out of college, he was young, and approachable, with a desire to connect and mentor. My mom was a guidance counselor at the same school, so I got to know Tom on a bit of a more personal level, as he often sat in our den eating popcorn and having a beer 'til the very late hours of the evening. He was a night owl.
Later, when my ex-husband's dad was very ill with cancer, Tom took my ex (at the time, my boyfriend) under his wing, bought him his first suit and took him on his college interviews. He was a groomsman in our wedding and Godfather to our first born. (I believe he is Godfather to at least eight children.). Whether we lived near or far away, Tom could be counted on for remembering birthdays, every holiday, celebrating successes, or just simply saying "Hi. Here's some gas money." He very often made special trips from Exeter, NH to Turners Falls (about a 240 mile round trip) to see my sons' swim meets or basketball games. He was amazingly supportive and encouraging, and his laugh was one of his most, out of many, attractive assets.
As time went on, and my sons grew into adulthood, Tom made sure he kept in touch with frequent phone calls, often at ten o'clock at night. He loved a good tidbit of gossip, and that is probably the worst thing you can say about him. He made me laugh, he forced me to be a bit more introspective, he challenged my religious viewpoints, and he always went the extra mile to keep our friendship going. I'm ashamed to admit it, but he was a better friend than I. Rest in peace dear friend. I hold many, many fond memories of you. I'm sure your place in heaven is secure.

Denise Lavoie

June 2, 2017

Hi my name is Denise Lavoie young. I attended Exeter Junior high. I just want to say that from what I know of Mr. Thomas Meehan, He was a nice guy. with a personable demeanor. He had a good sense of humor
He seemed to very patient with every student. Over all he was a nice guy. I am sure he will be missed

Lynn perry-woods

June 1, 2017

A truly remarkable man and family friend. Our family was introduced to him at his first position at Turners Falls High School with my oldest sibling and he left during my senior year. He attended all of our Christmas eve parties which he helped to make memorable and attended weddings and other family functions thru the years. He always tried to give sage advice to all of us and went to extreme lengths to be connected wth us. He shall forever remain a force in my memory of not only adolescent years but well into adulthood. Rest in peace, you were truly a glimmer of sunshine in everyones lives that you touched

Beverly Wilkins

June 1, 2017

I will miss you Tom! Thank you so much for being such a wonderful person, friend and educator to so many!

jed mixter

June 1, 2017

Mr. Meehan has had an enormous influence on my life since the Fall of 1982, when I was a 7th grade student at EAJHS.
He kept me on track as a wayward Jr High student and continued to mentor me through college while I pursued teaching. He loved rock and roll and Italian food. It is hard for me to think of a more loyal friend and committed educator. You will be missed by many my friend.

Jeremy Kube

June 1, 2017

Mr. Meehan was a very kind and considerate man who left a strong mark on me. One thing I learned from Mr. Meehan that I use to this very day is the fact that the little things count, such as remembering to congratulate someone for even the smallest of accomplishments. I would receive letters in the mail each time I would advance a rank in the Boy Scouts, I would win a medal at a wrestling event, or when I graduated from college with honors and my name was in the newspaper. Mr. Meehan cared and he did so deeply but quietly. I never heard him raise his voice but I don't think he ever had to because he had everybody's respect. Mr. Meehan always had my respect and he always will. RIP Mr. Meehan, you are not forgotten and you will be fondly remembered. Say hello to Mrs. Eustis for me.

Bryan Miller

May 31, 2017

HE WAS MY SON'S PRINCIPAL IN Kensington,nh And a good friend.He was always there to lend an ear or maybe show up at one of my sons hockey games.I will miss Tom.

Jaye Jennings-Garnett

May 30, 2017

He took the time to send out cards and he took the time to listen. He did a lot for people that no one will ever hear about. You were a great leader for us and I was grateful to you for your kindness. It was a treat working with you at my store and going back down memory lane. God bless!

Jennifer Gannett

May 30, 2017

He was the principal at EJHS when I was a student there! He was a great man! He kept in touch with my step dad, Robert Graves, over the years. Stopped in and sent cards to keep in touch. Mr Meehan was a very kind and thoughtful man. He will be missed dearly!

Roy Morrisette

May 30, 2017

Tom Meehan left his mark on education in Exeter at the Junior High and on his students. He was an inspiration to so many young people over the years. He was visible at so many of their events at all levels. He even continued to follow them in their adventures in college and life. We will miss this man but will cherish the memories of his part in our lives. Rest In Peace my friend your job here is done and you have earned your place in heaven for sure.

Ann Coyne

May 30, 2017

I was blessed to have known Thomas Meehan. I did his hair for quite a while. He always made me laugh, telling me stories of his past. He loved keeping in touch with so many former students. He was always invited to weddings and family events of students too. He had an account downtown and when he heard someone was having a baby he would always call and have a gift sent. He had such a big heart!

May 30, 2017

Mr. Meehan was my principal at EAJHS. Thankfully i never visited his office for anything other then positive visits. He was a great man. I am so sad to hear of his passing. I'm sure there are so many he had a positive influence on. RIP Mr. Meehan, thank you for being the positive role model you were.

Elizabeth Robinson

May 30, 2017

I remember how Auntie Blanche's eyes would light up whenever she spoke of your visits. My father, too, was proud to be your colleague. Thank you for taking care of so many kids and teachers long after the bell had rung.

Tracy Richardson

May 30, 2017

Mr. Meehan was my principal at Exeter AREA Junior High School. I never got to know him very well but I could tell from his quiet, gentle way of leadership that he was a kind and good man. I still have the letters that he took the time to write me congratulating me on various accomplishments, big and small, those letters meant so much! I know he took the time to write letters to other students as well; whether it was an athletic event, academic competition or drama club performance he attended, he was always supportive of his students. I'm so saddened to hear of his passing but feel so blessed to have had him as a role model at such a formative time in my life.

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