Thomas Jack Lewy

Thomas Jack Lewy (Tom), of North Branford , CT passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024 at the age of 88. Born on May 23, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois, he grew up in the Hyde Park neighborhood of South Chicago. Tom ( Tommy ) had many fond memories of times spent fishing in the North Woods of Wisconsin with family ( Frankie, Luke and brother Jimmy). He was proud and enamored of his time at camp Kawaga and carried forth those ideals in his adult life. An avid lover of World War I and II history and antique model trains, Tom graduated with a B.A in English from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor . A proud member of the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity , he was also one of the greatest Michigan Football fans to date, almost never missing a game since his graduation in 1958.

A skilled Baritone as well as a lay cantorial soloist in several prominent synagogues in Chicago, NY, and at home in CT, he trained at the Mannes College of Music, NYC and completed his Master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. His life’s career passion seemed to be set in music working for Capitol and Angel Records. After marrying Mariel Burtanger Lewy ( violist ) in 1962, he and his bride moved to the Chicago area to begin a career in marketing research for several large advertising agencies and to raise a family. His love of music and the desire to inspire others to share and make accessible, the magic of classical music and opera was the force behind the many courses that he wrote and so charismatically presented at the JCC of NYC, local libraries and his own community at Evergreen Woods. He derived great enjoyment and vitality from writing and contemplating these even just days before his passing. His most cherished gift however, was endless support and optimism he offered in life toward those he loved.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents Frances Munter Lewy and Leonard B. Lewy and brother James Lewy. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Mariel Burtanger Lewy, and daughters. Jennifer Lewy Young ( Christopher M. Young, Eve F and Juliet R Young) and Melissa Lewy Hirschel ( Gary S. Hirschel, Eisele L and Colgin B. Hirschel ). The family would like to thank the many physicians and staff of the ICU at Yale New Haven Hospital as well as several caregivers for the outstanding care and compassion they showed to Tom in the past and his final days. A celebration of Tom’s life will be streamed on December 17, 1130 am EST ( 1030am CST) from Swan Funeral Home , CT, during a private service. A link to the service will be included. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in his honor to The American Lung Association or the American Cancer Society.