Thomas “Tom” Walter Hart, 86, of Holyoke, MA, peacefully passed away on September 4, 2024, after a short battle with dementia.

Born in Holyoke on December 19, 1937, to Edward R. and Mildred C. (Perry) Hart, Tom was a fun-loving and mischievous boy. He was always quick with a joke, and his wit was second to none. A big player of sports in his youth, especially baseball, Tom would often be found on a baseball diamond perfecting his game.

In 1956, Tom met his wife, Dolores Augusta, and they were married in 1957. Shortly after, they shipped out to Maryland, where Tom enlisted in the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged in March 1961. Their first child was born in 1958 and would be followed by seven more in the next 18 years. He and Dolores were married for 50 years, before her passing in 2007.

Tom worked for the Holyoke Gas & Electric and Holyoke Public Schools for many years. Shortly before his retirement in 2008, he worked as a security guard at the Lynwood Towers in Springfield.

Tom was not only an extreme sports enthusiast, but a great singer. He began singing at a young age around the city. Because of his powerful voice, he was often asked to sing at funerals. In the 1990’s and early 2000’s, Tom sang with the Dan Kane Singers. In 1997, he and fellow group mate Jim O’Leary made a CD of songs they loved: “Two Guys from Holyoke.”

Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Edward P.; his wife, Dolores; his son, Edward; his grandson, John; and his granddaughter, Megan. He leaves behind his children Thomas, Laurie, Theresa, John, James, Joseph and Maureen, as well as 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-granddaughter.

Tom was a Friend of Bill’s for over 32 years. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Fisher House in Amherst and the Veterans Home in Holyoke.

The funeral will be private at the behest of the family.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/thomas-walter-hart/obituary/

Copy