Thomas Cawley

1921 - 2016

Thomas L. Cawley

Whitinsville - Thomas L. Cawley, 95, previously of Whitinsville, MA, passed away on December 7, 2016 at The Bellavita at Scarborough assisted living in Scarborough, ME. He was predeceased by his wife Constance W. (Leshenski) Cawley on April 16, 1986.

Born on June 3, 1921 in Woonsocket RI, Tom was the son of James and Agnes (Garand) Cawley. Soon after, the family moved to Whitinsville where Tom lived most of his life.

For more than 40 years, he worked in production and inventory control at the former Whitin Machine Works, and later at the David Gessner Co. in Worcester. He served in the U.S Coast Guard during WWII as a Seaman 1st Class stationed in New York Harbor. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Mumford Council 365, and at the time of his death was the oldest living member. He was also a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Church.

Tom was an avid sports enthusiast. He excelled at basketball and played point guard for the Whitin Gym team during its heyday in the 1940s and 1950s. He was also a member of Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy's regional all-stars team that Bob organized during the summers of his Holy Cross college years. The team played all over New England and drew large crowds. He also loved golf and played in leagues in Whitinsville and Douglas.

After their marriage, Tom and Connie became involved in The Knights and Maids musical group supported by the Knights of Columbus. They both enjoyed their trips to Hawaii and Spain. Tom also served as president of their square dancing club.

After Connie passed away, he vacationed with his daughters Kim and Kerry at Cape Cod and took part in sailing adventures throughout New England and the Caribbean. He particularly enjoyed his month-long visits to Hong Kong and Japan to visit his daughter Kerry's family when they were living abroad.

Tom remained mentally sharp until his death, likely due his interest in reading and solving crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Family and friends loved and appreciated Tom, or "Grampa", for his positive outlook, sense of humor and zest for life. While old in age, he remained young at heart, bringing joy and laughter wherever he was.

Thomas is survived by 2 daughters, Karen C. Claflin and her husband Bruce of Sarasota FL, and Islesboro, ME and Kimberly C. Doane and her husband Eric of Scarborough ME; 5 grandchildren: Lt. Col. Christopher L. Claflin, USMC and his wife Christine of Tampa, FL, Elizabeth Claflin Nunnally and her husband Brian of Oakley, CA, Amy C. Cochran her husband Dan of San Jose, CA, Stephen T. Doane and his fiancé Heather Wysocki of Bonita Springs, FL, and Kelsey C. Doane of Scarborough ME; 6 great-grandchildren; one sister Margaret Gould of Spartanburg, SC; and several nieces and nephews He was predeceased by 2 brothers, William Cawley, and John "Jack" Cawley.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the loving care and consideration provided by Beacon Hospice of Portland, ME and Brookdale's Bellavita Senior Living of Scarborough, ME.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, December 17 from Jackman Funeral Home, 12 Spring St., Whitinsville with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 pm. in St. Patrick's Church, 1 Cross St. Burial will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be held on Saturday, December 17 from 9:30 – 11:30 am. To leave a condolence message for the family, please visit http://www.jackmanfuneralhomes.com/