Tom Stevens Obituary, Easthampton, MA Death: In Loving Memory

With gratitude for a life well lived, family and friends are celebrating the remarkable life of Tom Stevens, who passed away peacefully on July 14, 2024, at the age of 83, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, advocate, and friend, Tom leaves behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, humor, and service that will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on January 23, 1941, in Hartford, Connecticut, Tom was the son of Harold and Florence Stevens and was raised in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. As a young man, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he served honorably from 1959 to 1963.

During his military service, Tom survived a devastating automobile accident that resulted in the amputation of his right leg and other serious injuries that affected him throughout the rest of his life. Rather than allowing those challenges to define him, he embraced life with remarkable courage, resilience, and an enduring sense of humor. His experiences inspired him to become a passionate advocate for the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, encouraging others through his example of perseverance and acceptance.

Following his military service, Tom built a distinguished career with the Department of Defense, serving as a Quality Control Specialist. Among his proudest professional accomplishments was his leadership as Union President for the local chapter of the National Federation of Federal Employees, where he worked tirelessly to represent and support his fellow workers with integrity and dedication.

One of the defining chapters of Tom’s life was his unwavering commitment to recovery. After overcoming years of addiction and alcoholism, he celebrated more than 45 years of sobriety as a grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous. His journey became a source of hope for countless others, as he generously shared his experience, strength, and encouragement with those seeking recovery. Through his compassion, humility, and unmistakable wit, Tom helped many people discover the life-changing gift of sobriety. Even during his later years, as he faced the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, he continued to rely on the principles of recovery and his characteristic sense of humor to meet each day with courage.

Outside of his career and service to others, Tom found great joy on the golf course. An accomplished golfer, he competed in leagues and tournaments throughout North America, building lasting friendships through the game he loved. He was also an avid sports fan whose loyalty never wavered. Whether cheering for the Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta Braves or passionately following the Green Bay Packers, Tom’s encyclopedic knowledge of sports made every game an event to remember.

Tom also believed deeply in social justice, equality, and civic engagement. He remained informed, compassionate, and actively involved in issues that reflected his progressive values, always striving to make his community and the world a better place.

Above all else, Tom treasured his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Elaine Beaudoin; his children Kelly Stevens, Sam Stevens and his wife Leslie, Kevin Boucher and his wife Mary Wang-Boucher, and Mitch Boucher and his wife Rebekah Perks. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Kelly, Sean, Kyle, Tovah, Noelle, and Matthew, who brought him tremendous pride and joy.

Tom is also survived by his brother Eddie Stevens and his wife Elsa, along with nephews Brian and John. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved son Thomas Stevens Jr., and his brothers Donald “Hank” Stevens and Ronald Stevens.

During the final two years of his life, Tom was a resident of Linda Manor, where he received compassionate care. His family extends heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated staff whose kindness, professionalism, and genuine affection brought comfort to Tom throughout his time there.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Tom’s life during visitation on Saturday, July 20, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home in Easthampton, Massachusetts. A luncheon and celebration of life will follow from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., providing loved ones an opportunity to share memories and honor a man whose life made a profound difference.

In keeping with Tom’s generous spirit, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers or donations, everyone honor his memory with a simple act of kindness.

“Please say something kind to someone today.”

It is a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life lifting others, offering encouragement, and proving that resilience, compassion, and laughter can overcome even life’s greatest challenges.

Tom Stevens will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud Air Force veteran, dedicated public servant, passionate advocate, loyal friend, and an inspiration to all who knew him. His legacy of courage, generosity, humor, and unwavering kindness will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched.

May Tom Stevens rest in eternal peace, forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.