Avis de décès de Thomas J. Hurley - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

NORTHFIELD - Thomas J. Hurley, 91, of Main Street, died Saturday evening (12-15-12) at the Buckley HealthCare Center in Greenfield.He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Dec. 1, 1921, the son of John F. and Mary Ellen (Kiely) Hurley. Tom moved to Northfield when he was a year old. He attended schools in Northfield and was a graduate of Northfield High School in 1939. He then graduated from Bay Path Business School in 1941.He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard on Oct. 15, 1942, and then served aboard the troop ship USS Wakefield AP 21 in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters until his honorable discharge on April 10, 1946.On Sept. 10, 1946 he began a lifelong career in the postal service. He first began working in the Northfield post office as a clerk and quickly moved up and was appointed Postmaster of that office by President Harry S. Truman on Feb. 17, 1952. He served as Postmaster in the Northfield office for over 30 years until Oct. of 1982, when he was appointed Postmaster of the Turners Falls post office. He moved one final time to become Postmaster of the Greenfield post office and spent the last two years until retirement there.He was very active in community affairs. After the war he was instrumental in helping to organize and manage the Little League program for four years. He was foremost a faithful and lifelong parishioner of St. Patrick's Catholic church in Northfield. He served the church in all endeavors, including janitor, usher, eucharistic minister and St. Mary's Cemetery. He served on various committees and Catholic Charities. One of his favorite aspects of the church was St. Mary's Cemetery where he took pride in caring for and maintaining its grounds and the selling of burial plots for over 40 years. He was a member of American Legion Post 179, a 50-year charter member and past commander of VFW Post 9874, where he prided himself and was known for, presiding over the Memorial Day programs for over 50 years. He was also loved and appreciated for organizing and presiding over the Rag Shag Halloween programs for over 50 years.He was an active and charter member of the Northfield Kiwanis Club for over 55 years. He was a member of the Montague Rotary Club and the Greenfield Elks Lodge. He enjoyed winters in Florida, as well as trips to Ireland and all over the USA.He is survived by two nieces: Marilyn Hurley of Northampton and Ellen Tofferi of Montpelier, Vt., and caretaker, Liz Grass and her husband William of Greenfield.He was predeceased by his twin brother, Edward, and brother, John.Funeral services will be Friday (12-21-12) at 9:15 a.m. from the Kidder Funeral Home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 at St. Patrick's Church, Main St. The Rev. Thomas Lisowski, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.Calling hours will be Thursday (12-20-12) from 6 to 8 p.m.Donations in his memory may be made to St. Mary's Cemetery 80 Main St., Northfield, MA 01360.To send condolences or for directions, visit: www.kidderfuneralhome.com.