Thomas W. Caldwell

Thomas W. Caldwell died peacefully at home on March 31, 2022 at the age of 73. He was born in Fort Madison, Iowa but became a New Englander after moving to Cambridge, MA to attend Harvard College, where he graduated in 1971.

During his freshman year, his roommate set him up on a blind date, immediately after he pronounced: "That's the girl I'm going to marry!" Linda remained the absolute apple of his eye and the most important person in his life for the next 51 years. Proximity to the ocean – a novelty after growing up in the Midwest – drew Tom to Hingham, MA, where he and Linda raised their three children: Christopher, Julie, and Laura.

Known for his selflessness and genuine kindness, Tom loved hosting family and friends at his home on Cape Cod, where he doted on his guests. One of his great joys was spoiling his family with delicious wines and perfectly grilled steaks and seafood.

Most important to him though was his role as master homework helper, mediator, tax advisor, and chief problem-solver to his adored three children, which continued to his last days. An aficionado of US history and political science, Tom was a prolific reader, especially of legal thrillers and every Tom Clancy novel. He never lost his appreciation for the ocean and was grateful for the views of Nantucket Sound from the Cape home and the Gulf of Mexico sunsets from the Pelican Bay home in Naples where he was a beloved part of the community at The Claridge.

In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by three granddaughters, Tessa 15, Adeline 6, and Eisley 2 weeks, two sons-in-law, Jay Bartlett and Travis Hill as well as a large extended family. Tessa, spent an annual summer week with “PoppaTom” on Cape Cod, which he cherished, and he prized trips to Washington, D.C., Salt Lake City, and Charleston to visit his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed many excursions to Manhattan watching Broadway musicals, walking for hours taking in the city sights, and sampling new restaurants.

His thoughtfulness was matched by his deep intelligence, which allowed him to quickly ascend the corporate ladder at Verizon. He retired as a Senior Vice President, and was known for his keen ability to manage complex problems as well as his gentle but effective leadership style.

Tom’s wisdom, warmth, and generosity touched all who were a part of his many orbits. He was deeply loved and is sorely missed.

A remembrance of his life will be held this summer in Massachusetts.

Donations in Tom's memory may be made to help the children in Ukraine – please designate the donation in memory of Tom to ‘children in Ukraine’ - or to the Harry Chapin Food Bank in South West Florida. https://harrychapinfoodbank.org/.