Thomas E. Gately

Thomas Gately was a man with more love to give than he knew what to do with. His greatest love was his wife Marlene followed by his two children, four grandchildren and a seven-pound toy poodle. Sunday, November 20, 2022, Tom joined his beloved wife and dog in their finally resting place, the purple crock pot. Yes, that is correct, the purple crockpot, going to show how unique and special their relationship was.

Thomas was born on February 5th, 1950 in Massachusetts. Son of Edward and Doris Gately. He spent his first 18 years of life enjoying playing instruments in the local band, stirring up trouble with his friends, and playing sports for the Burlington Red Devils before enlisting in the United States Navy. In service he spent his time as a Boiler Master (Boiler Technician) until he met the love of his life Marlene at a USO dance. After meeting Marlene in 1969, they shortly got married and had their first child Brenda. Followed by Thomas’s Honorable Discharge from the Service and the birth of his son Steven. The two were married for nearly 50 years before Marlene went to be with the Lord.

A devoted father and husband Thomas worked at Briggs & Stratton as a foundry worker for 30 years until retirement. Tom enjoyed hunting fishing and painting Christmas villages for those he loved. He has sheltered the homeless, fed the hungry, and provided transportation for those in need. Tom enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities and teaching them the art of scaring their grandmother.

After retirement Thomas enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. As an exceptional grandparent always going above and beyond Thomas was at every school play, concert, or sports event to support his grandchildren. Thomas made sure to instill a compassionate hard-working lifestyle into each of his grandchildren. And in later years lived vicariously to hear the latest stories of their adventures and where life is taking them, providing advice and support along their journeys.

Tom is preceded by his wife Marlene, mother Doris and father Edward. He is survived by daughter Brenda (Lehman) Jackson, Steven Gately, granddaughters Autumn Gately, Rachel Jackson and Elizabeth Jackson, grandson Hunter Gately, and cousin Gayla (Walter) Kiley.

In lieu of a formal service there will be a private celebration of his life with close family and friends.