Thomas "Tom" E. Maynard

Thomas E. Maynard, 72, of Wethersfield, passed on Thursday, September 1, after a summer spent battling an unrelenting and rare type of leukemia. Though confined to a hospital, Tom was surrounded by loved ones in his final days and passed away peacefully with his adoring wife, Maria Rotondaro Maynard, at his side: a position she honorably and courageously sustained, without respite, for more than a month. On August 17, Tom and Maria celebrated 32 years of marriage in the tiny room where he was being treated. They continually moved the hospital staff with their remarkable dedication to one another, even as they were a source of entertainment with their playful teasing banter.

Tom was born on May 1, 1950, in New London, and grew up in Groton. He was the son of the late Eugene and Demaris (Winslow) Maynard, and the oldest of six children, a position in which he took dutiful and loving pride. Tom was a standout baseball and football player at Fitch and was recruited by the Red Sox organization out of high school, though he ultimately chose to pursue a football scholarship at Amherst College. Tom graduated in 1972 as an aspiring elementary school teacher, a position for which, with his friendly outgoing demeanor and love of children, he was ideally suited. He greatly valued his time at Amherst and as a testament to his enduring friendships from that time, eagerly anticipated returning to campus this summer to attend his 50th reunion.

Tom taught the fifth grade for several years before his prodigious skill as a freelance writer saw him lured into a new career as a sought-after advertising, and later, marketing professional. Over the years, his corporate journey included multiple companies across disparate industries, with repeated stints in the manufacturing field. At a time before telecommuting, Tom reported first to New York City and then St. Louis for work, though he retained Wethersfield as a home base and constantly affirmed his commitment to family by never missing a holiday picnic or school event, despite the demands of travel.

After years of grueling commutes, Tom was inspired by his wife Maria, a celebrated educator and principal in her own right and long-time schools administrator for the Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford, to leave the corporate grind behind and rekindle his love of teaching. In middle age, Tom reinvented himself as an elementary school teacher and later, principal. He first re-entered the education profession in the public schools, then chose to follow his faith into Catholic school education. Tom adored being surrounded by children, hungry for learning and direction, and never stopped delighting in their toothless smiles, innocent curiosity and, infinite questions.

Tom continued to augment his formal knowledge even as he promoted the education of others. Though his career in teaching culminated in an appointment as Head of School at East Catholic High School, a position from which he retired in 2019, Tom pursued advanced degrees in the educational sphere. And though delayed by the pandemic, he wrote an incisive dissertation and achieved his doctoral degree in 2021. Time and again, Tom was asked why he would bother to work so hard for a degree late in life, as it would not be for professional or financial gain. An intense love of learning, a desire to continue to grow and progress, and a need to fight against the forces of inertia drove him in his pursuits.

Besides his beloved wife Maria, Tom is survived by the treasures of this life: His four children and seven grandchildren. Tom is father to Noelle Maynard Holmes, wife of Robert, and mother to Landon and Jensen, of Vienna, VA; Holly Maynard, wife of Robert Byron, and mother to Ellory, of Wethersfield; Peter Holowesko, father to John and Nicholas, of Simsbury; and Lisa Lappe, wife of Travis, mother to Tyler and Luke, of Meriden. Tom adored participating in the mundane tasks of everyday life with his family, as well as the grand milestone events. From grabbing pizza and watching Jeopardy on a slow Friday night to a mid-week round of golf followed by sandwiches, from a quick phone check-in from the car to a catered celebratory dinner, Tom seldom missed an opportunity for a connection with his loved ones. He tried to round up as many family members as he could for every gathering, routine and significant. Tom’s loving attention to the trivialities of his loved ones’ lives and his enduring and positive support was an incredible privilege to witness and receive.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 9, from 5-7 p.m. at D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, September 10 at 10 a.m. in the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect St., Wethersfield, followed by burial in the historic Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. The family extends a sincere invitation to all of Tom’s friends and acquaintances to join us in celebrating his life this weekend; the stories you share will sustain us in his absence. If you are unable to attend the funeral, but wish to participate, please contact Holly at [email protected] for a link to the livestreamed service. To share a memory of Tom, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.