Thomas A. Jarboe Jr.

Thomas "Tom" Augustin Jarboe, Jr.,79, of Colchester, passed away on August 3, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. Born on September 9, 1945 in Meriden, CT, Tom was the son of the late Thomas and Dorothy (Hoff) Jarboe. Tom grew up in Meriden before moving to Southington where he completed high school. While working at his father's Sunoco gas station on Queen Street, Tom developed a passion for collecting and working on cars, especially GMs, with his most recent pride and joy being a 1936 Buick Special Four Door. Following high school, Tom served in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps (1967-1970). His service became a source of pride, though it left lasting effects that shaped many of his adult years. In retirement, Tom found camaraderie among fellow veterans at the VFW, and American Legion, where shared experiences became a source of comfort and kinship. After returning home, Tom attended Wilcox Technical School as a Post Grad, earning a certificate in welding. He went on to enjoy a long and successful career as a construction worker. Tom's second act found him working side by side with his father breeding and training trotter horses beginning in Southington at Windy Acres Farm and continuing on the family farm in East Killingly. Tom even earned his jockey license getting to race some of the horses he trained. Tom had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs. Whether boating with Troy, working the farm with Butch and Sundance, building with Bucky the inspector, or just hanging out with his last companion, Buddy. He also had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews. From card games and sketching lessons, to car shows and letting them race his electric chairs around the house, Tom delighted in sharing joy, wisdom, and laughter with them. Known for his humor, generosity, and zest for life, Tom was truly the life of the party. Whether fooling around and pulling pranks with his siblings or cousins or adding laughter with a joke, he reminded everyone that life was meant to be lived fully. Thomas will be sadly missed but always remembered with love by his siblings, James Jarboe, Sr. (Barbara), Diane Kendrick (John), Gary Jarboe (Amy). He will also be remembered fondly by his nieces and nephews Robert Bushnell (Lisa), Robin Gardner (Joseph), Meghan Gaignard (David), Erik Jarboe, James Jarboe, Jr. (Christina), Justin Jarboe (Alicia), and Kevin Kendrick along with his many great nieces and nephews and cousins, especially Judith Rudolph who helped care for him. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Dorothy Jarboe, his brother-in-law John Kendrick, and his ex-wife Barbara Chopus Jarboe. Family and friends are welcome to gather on Friday, August 22, from 9:30- 11am at Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester. Services in celebration of Thomas' life will begin at 11am. Burial will follow at the State Veterans Cemetery on Bow Lane, Middletown with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations in Thomas' memory may be made to Wounded Warriors or Vested Interest in K9s. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas A. Jarboe, Jr., please visit our floral store.