Waterford - Thomas "Tom" P. Vitale of Waterford, passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born March 13, 1960, in Groton, to Norman A. Vitale and Anne A. Vitale, and was a lifelong resident of Waterford.

Tom was a gentle soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He studied horticulture at the University of Connecticut and Unity Environmental University in Maine, which led him to start his own landscaping business. Once you were a customer of Tom's, you became a lifelong friend. He took pride in everything he did, and his work was a testament to both his skill and his unwavering attention to detail. He was most proud of the accomplishments of his children. He loved all things nature including gardening and fishing, as well as reading, cooking, and watching New England sports teams.

He is survived by his partner, Marsha Hempstead; their four children: Jamie, Frank, Kelly and Dylan (Wendy). He is also survived by his mother Anne; stepmother Mary; siblings, James, Carol (Jeffrey Garrett), Betty (Joseph Zoubek), Robert, John (Tammy), and Kathy (Jeffrey Barberi); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Norman A. Vitale; and his brother Norman E. Vitale.

A memorial service will be held at a future date in the spring of 2025. Please visit www.fultontherouxnewlondon.com for updated service information.

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

Published by The Day on Jan. 12, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Vitale

Sponsored by Fulton-Theroux Funeral Service.

21 Entries

Allison Barnes

April 1, 2025

Just saw this news. I am so sorry. RIP Got to know Tom the last 2 years of UCONN and we were housemates for the last year there. (with Eric and Ben)...Had some fun times for a few years after. Got in touch with him a couple years ago and exchanged life happenings. I can hear his voice ! My dearest sympathies to his Mom who I met several times and always was the greatest. Shoot some pool Tom!

Eric Damery

February 12, 2025

Tom's mother Anne was one of the dearest friends of my mother Claire Damery. Claire and Gordon remained friends with the Vitale family for all of their lives and my sister Brenda and I spent many days visiting in CT at their home. Tom and I would climb and swing on the vines in the woods in their neighborhood. The Vitale's visited our family at the lake in Westminster and Tom and I enjoyed swimming and fishing. Many great memories.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all the Vitale's and Tom's partner and children who I never got to meet. Rest in peace Tommy.

The Johnson´s

January 25, 2025

Tom, RIP.... I must have met you.... Hanging with John n Kathy.... The Gallup Lane gang.... Be with God, sir..... we will see you another time. John n Kathy.... May your hearts be ok. God be with you....

Margaret

January 19, 2025

My memories of Tom go back to late 70s. He was kind, caring, an intelligent deep-thinker, avid reader, adventurous spirit loving the outdoors. An organic gardener, sometimes an educator, loved his family deeply, giving, and forgiving. To know Tom a short period of time in life was having a friend you´d have all of your life. My heart is heavy with sorrow that he´s passed so soon. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Vitale family. I hope it brings you comfort that others care so much for your loss.

Bob Silva Jr.

January 18, 2025

One of my closest friends. A ton of memories.Fishing and Darts First I heard of his passing.I had just seen him! Cancer sucks gone way to young!Will be greatly missed!!!

John Guarino

January 18, 2025

The last time I ran into Tom was 10 years ago. I was delivering the mail in a home on Darrows Ridge Road in East Lyme and Tom and his son were taking care of the shrubs and landscape.

Jae-Yoo Ko

January 16, 2025

Condolences to the Vitale family. I knew Tom from my days in the neighborhood of Gallup Lane. He was a fun gentle soul then and seems like that his whole life. Unfortunately I had not had the pleasure to see him since moving out of the area 30 years ago. Rest in peace.

Dorothy Watson Mees

January 16, 2025

My condolences to the Vitale family. I remember Tom from Jr high and high school as we were both in the same homeroom. He was a quiet soul who always had a friendly smile. RIP

Elayne Weinberg Peterson

January 15, 2025

My sincere condolences to the family. Tom and I knew each other back in Jr. high and high school in home room as we were both in the UVWXYZ classroom. I remember him always being friendly.

John Guarino

January 15, 2025

I met Tom in elementary school. We went through all of Waterford school grades together. The last time is saw Tom, he was trimming shrubs in a yard in East Lyme where I was delivering the mail. Tom was always pretty quiet, but I loved to hear his laughter. I am so sorry for your loss. Tom Vitale was my friend and will always have a place in my heart and fond memories that I carry with me forever.
In Elementary school I walked (ran) home from school and would hop on my "banana seat" bicycle and follow the school bus to Gallup Lane and Hilltop Terrace to spend the afternoon playing with Tom and Tim LeBlanc.

J Buckley

January 14, 2025

Couldn't ask for a better coworker, boss, or friend. He will be sorely missed.

Jean Oscarson

January 14, 2025

Tom was always so nice and easygoing...I am very grateful to have had him as a neighbor along with the rest of the Vitale family back in the day on Hilltop Terrace in Waterford. My sincere condolences and prayers to his family and friends. May the wonderful memories of Tom bring peace and comfort to everyone.

Mark Christensen

January 13, 2025

I'm sorry to hear the news. I spoke with Tom a few months ago and he was hopeful and positive that he would be cured. He was a real good guy and helpful to me. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Patty Giulietti

January 13, 2025

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the Vitale family on the passing of Tom. He was always so friendly and kind. RIP

Mary Beth Buckley

January 13, 2025

Tom was good to everyone he met. He gave my son Joey work when he had none. He was a true friend to Joe Sr throughout his life and through all his trials and tribulations. Condolences to his family. Mary Beth(Cote)Buckley

Brenda and Benjamin Weston

January 13, 2025

Our sincere condolences to Tom's family and friends.

The Shepard´s

January 12, 2025

Our heartfelt condolences to Tom´s family, such a kind soul

Dave Stewart

January 12, 2025

Please accept my Heartfelt Condolences for the Family & friends of Tom. I am a friend of Jim Vitale & spent a bit of time at the Vitale home. I thought Tom was pretty cool. I'm not surprised he was so successful in his work & Life. Rest in Peace Tom.

Glenn and Cheryl Way

January 12, 2025

Our sincerest condolences to the Vitale Family.

Pete McKittrick

January 12, 2025

To Thomas Vitale family sorry for your loss!

Nancy Burdick

January 12, 2025

So sorry to read of Tom´s passing, may he rest in eternal peace.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results