Fond memories of Tom and days gone by.

Many years ago, Tom's family and mine were next door neighbors.  Our families lived on the second floor of a duplex.  Eagles were at # 41 and Tillotson's were at # 43.

Sharon and I were about the same age, so we became very close friends, back in the day.  Fortunately that friendship has continued to grow  through the years and now, we consider ourselves to be "sisters" from another mother.

My most vivid memories of Tom are from long ago, a little more than 50 years.  I was a young impressionable girl of around 12 or 14 and Tom was 13 to 14 years older than I was.  It made no difference to me.  I still had a crush on him.  I can remember thinking how wonderful it would be if one day I became my best friends Sister-in- law!  It seems so much clearer to me now,  (not only are my memories of that time vivid, but obviously I also had a very vivid imagination)!

Tom was a very handsome man.  He was always dressed impeccably no matter where he was going.  He wore clothes so well he could have been a model.  Tom's favorite color must have been red.  I remember the day he drove up with his beautiful new Red Ford Galaxi for the first time.  It was one evening not long after that, he came out of the house all decked out in black pants and a beautiful red shirt that matched his shiny new car ... all set for a night on the town.

If I were to pick one word to describe Tom, I think the word would have to be ...sharp.  He was a sharp good looking man, who knew how to dress to impress and make a sharp appearance, who drove a sharp hot looking car.  Yeah, that was Tom!

To The Family

I hope it helps to know that Tom's pain is finally over and the only pain that remains is the heartache felt by the family and friends who love and mourn his loss.

I want to express my deepest sympathy, to Sharon, Gerry, Steve, and Shannon for the loss of your brother and uncle.  Each of you, along with Tom,  will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Love to you Sharon,

From your forever friend and your sister from another mother!

Grace Tillotson Kaplan