Thomas Joseph Balfour ("TJ"/"Tom"), of Chatham, MA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, at Cape Cod Hospital on July 6, 2023, at the age of 80. He was the loving and devoted husband of Claire, whom he met on Cape Cod, and married on July 12, 1969 in Brookline, MA, sharing 54 beautiful years of marriage. They were truly best friends. TJ was born in Norwood, MA on March 4, 1943 to Mary (Nolan) and Thomas Balfour. He attended Norwood High School (class of 1961) and Northeastern University and served in the Army National Guard.
He began working for the Norwood Light Department in 1966 as a Lineman and became General Foreman in 1986. During his 38+ year career he enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of his colleagues and stayed connected to his Norwood roots. TJ and Claire moved to Sharon, MA in 1970 and raised their two children, Katie and David. During that time, he enjoyed coaching his kids' basketball teams and creating a fun backyard, including a tree-house and basketball court. He enjoyed folk and rock music and sang beautifully (for a select few).
In 2005, TJ retired, and he and Claire moved full-time to their home in Chatham, MA. In his retirement, TJ enjoyed gardening, reading, birdwatching, walks to the lighthouse, and spending time with his beloved children and grandchildren. TJ loved history, especially pertaining to Boston and New England. He enjoyed sharing stories of his Scottish and Irish heritage. He was a proud New Englander. This past May, TJ and Claire traveled to Ogunquit, Maine and stayed in Perkins Cove, the vacation spot he went to every summer as a boy.
TJ is survived by his wife, Claire (Hartigan); daughter Kate and son-in-law Erik Danielson of Falmouth, ME; son Dave and daughter-in-law Laurin Balfour of Mashpee, MA; granddaughters, Libby and Julia Danielson; grandsons, Owen and Jack Balfour; sister-in-law Dianne Balfour; and nieces, Amy (Balfour) Reilly and Jennifer Balfour and their families; sisters-in-law Nancy Carroll, Darlene Barrett, and Mary Locke' as well as niece, Jessica Locke; and nephew, Doug Locke and family. He was predeceased by his parents; and siblings, Bonnie and Paul Balfour. TJ had many lifelong friends, many of whom were members of "The Box" (you know who you are). All will remember TJ for his kindness, sweet and gentle manner, hard working nature, thoughtfulness and sparkling blue eyes. His family and friends will miss him dearly.
A Celebration of Life Visitation is planned for Saturday, August 19th from 12:00 - 3:00 pm at Nickerson Funeral Home in Chatham, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate, Friends of the Chatham Council on Aging www.chatham-ma.gov/593/Friends-of-the-Chatham-COA or the charity of your choice.
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