Thomas "Buzzy" Buzzell Vail Jr.

He was born at home in Portland, Maine on March 26th, 1936 to parents Thomas Vail Sr. and Freda Edith Nelson, and was one of 10 children. Tom went to Deering High School and starred as the football quarterback, excelling in his studies and graduating as the top male in his class. He went on to Bates College, where he had a successful football career as the quarterback for the Bobcats. Tom even went on to play semi-pro football in Maine for 2 years. Bates is also where he met his wife Carole in ‘55 while she was in the nursing program. They married in ‘59 and would go on to enjoy 64 years of marriage.

Tom was in the army, from 1958 to 1961, and was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He had four children with Carole: Michael, Peter, Paul and Lisa. Tom and Carole raised their family in Portland and spent years creating memorable summer camping experiences, some of which included a few entertaining mishaps... Tom had a long and successful career with Union Mutual (UNUM), retiring to his lakeside house at Thomas Pond in 1995.

He and Carole had a wonderful period of travel during retirement, enjoying cruises and trips to Europe, with Italy and Spain winning as their favorite destinations. When stateside, they split their time between Vero Beach, FL and Windham, Maine. While healthy, Tom went to every athletic event his grandchildren participated in and enjoyed coaching and giving pointers from the sidelines, keeping his drive and competitive spirit from his younger years.

Golf also became a passion for Tom, as he enjoyed playing regularly with Fred Stone and Wayne Libby in Florida. Chase Rand and Jerry Davis played with him in Maine. Tom was rewarded with two ‘Hole in 1’s’!

Tom was predeceased by his parents, siblings and first grandchild, Anthony Michael Vail.

He is survived by wife Carole, brother Jimmy and four children, Mike Vail (wife Andrea) of Cumberland Foreside, Peter Vail (wife Diane) of Concord, NH, Paul Vail (wife Kathleen) of Windham, and Lisa Lekousi (husband George) of Windham; Nine grandchildren: Christina Vail, Maria Vail, Leah Fryer (husband Jack), Sarah Fedler (husband Adam), Matthew Vail, Christopher Lekousi, Thomas Lekousi, Hunter Vail, and Conner Vail.

The family would like to thank the staff at Stroudwater Lodge, Avita and Sedgewood Commons for the compassionate care they provided to Tom over the past 2 years.

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Friday, September 29, 2023 from 10-11:30 AM at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A funeral service at the funeral home will follow at 11:30 AM followed by a committal service at Evergreen Cemetery, Stevens Ave, Portland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter

383 US Route One, Suite 2C Scarborough, ME 04074

Bonsoir Tom

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com for the Vail family.