Thomas P. Massaro

Thomas Paul Massaro, known to most as "the guy who always had a joke", passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 80. A lifelong resident of Manchester, Connecticut, Tom was born on March 6, 1945, to Dr. Joseph Massaro and Mildred Hood Massaro. He arrived with opinions, charm, and a smirk that he kept sharp for eight decades. He was a proud Navy sailor who served on the USS Ault during the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Afterward, he spent time working at Pratt & Whitney before joining SNET, where his career spanned 20+ years working as a communications technician. He was great with wires, but even better at conversation. At breakfast stops around town, he was a loyal regular telling jokes, chatting up waitstaff, and handing out generous tips. His greatest passion? Auto racing. He was a pit crew member at Stafford Motor Speedway and an avid racing fan. He even drove a racecar once at Daytona, turning the fastest lap that day! He loved animals - dogs, cats, squirrels, you name it -but nothing tugged at his heart quite like his grandchildren. Whether it was academic or athletic accomplishments, he always reminded people that they were his grandkids. Tom is survived by his brother, Robert Massaro of Wilbraham, MA; his sisters, Janet Massaro of Olney, MD, and Maureen Massaro of Manchester; his sons, Michael and wife Kristin of Ellington, and Mark and wife Heather of Lakewood Ranch, FL; and his five grandkids: Nicholas, Anthony, Miah, Marisa, and Mayson Massaro - each of whom carry a bit of his spark, spirit, and maybe even his sarcasm. He also leaves his niece Luciana Massaro of Olney, MD. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Joseph and Mildred Massaro, and by his infant son, Matthew Massaro. Calling hours will be held at Tierney Funeral Home in Manchester, CT, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. James Church on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at St. James Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and honor his memory with a good joke over breakfast. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas, please visit our floral store.