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Thomas E. “Tom” Paine, 67, of New Boston Rd. in Tolland passed away unexpectedly on Thursday March 22, 2018 after being stricken at home. Tom was a longtime beloved figure in Tolland, especially at Camp Timber Trails. He was born in Framingham on March 4, 1951, a son of the late Thomas I. and Elizabeth (Cullen) Paine. He was raised in Framingham, attending local schools including St. Brigid’s school. He enlisted in the US Army, serving as a Corporal with the 1st US Army 18th Engineers Battalion. He proudly served from 1969 to 1971, including 11 months in Vietnam. Tom
received the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Services Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged returning home in 1971. He worked for a number of years as a Chef with several area restaurants including Schermerhorns Seafood restaurant, the Hu Ke Lau, Abdows and Friendly’s. He moved to Tolland over 30 years ago, beginning a long career with Camp Timber Trails in Tolland serving in several positions before retiring as Assistant Camp Ranger. He was very active with the Town of Tolland, serving as a Volunteer Firefighter and EMT. Tom volunteered his own time and resources and traveled to New Orleans during the floods to help the residents there. Tom was also a Selectman for many years and was currently a member of the Historical Commission. Tom loved Tolland, the people and his simple way of life there, knowing his neighbors, stopping to chat about life, politics or just the weather, even a friendly wave from the seat of his lawnmower as people passed by.
He will miss you all and be fondly remembered by his family and friends. In addition to his parents, his brothers; Richard, Paul, Arthur and Michael predeceased him. He leaves his loving sons; Scott Converse of Chicopee, Michael Converse of Agawam. His daughter, Tracy Paine of Monson. His cherished grandchildren; Caitlyn Daviau, Nicholas Converse and Kevin John Macdonald, a great great granddaughter, Ellie Daviau and his former wife, Lucille (Lapointe) Paine. Tom is also survived by his two dear brothers; John Paine of Agawam and Charlie Paine of Tolland, several nieces and nephews, his uncle, Charlie Paine of Springfield, his aunts; Gemma Ambrose of Gardner and Barbara Paine of Holyoke and many dear cousins. Calling hours for Thomas will be Tuesday afternoon from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main St., Indian Orchard, Ma. The family invites you to join them directly at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1350 Main St., Agawam on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at
11:00 A.M. for Funeral services followed by Military honors from the US Army Honor Guard. (Please arrive promptly at the Cemetery by 10:50 a.m.) Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the Tolland Volunteer Fire Dept., c/o Chief Eric Munson, 206 West Granville Rd., Tolland, Ma. 01034-9403
Published in The Republican on Mar. 25, 2018
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