Thomas P. Azzara Sr., age 83, long-time resident of Manchester, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 17, 2025 with his loving family by his side. Born in East Hartford on February 7, 1942, he was the son of the late Thomas Carmello and Anne (Remenik) Azzara.
Tom grew up in Mayberry Village, East Hartford and was a 1960 graduate of East Hartford High School. He spent over 62 years with the love of his life, Rose (Pagano) Azzara, working tirelessly to raise three beautiful children and build his life from the ground up. He embodied the essence of a true entrepreneur, working as an appraiser for the City of New Britain before starting various local businesses. Tom’s Trees was his first pride and joy, selling Christmas trees for over 10 years on Silver Lane in East Hartford and later, Manchester. He co-owned and operated the popular jean store, Two-Legs, with locations in Manchester, Wethersfield, Willimantic, and Norwich, before co-owning and operating the furniture store, Contemporary Expressions, in Norwich. In the ‘80s, Tom opened the doors to Pizazz, a seasonal beach store located on Cape Cod, which he operated until his retirement. He spent many summers on the Cape, morphing it into a loving gathering place for both his family and his friends.
Tom did everything in a big way, always going above and beyond. He loved cooking multicultural recipes and listening to music, especially Pink Floyd and the Eagles. Tom also cherished trips to Aruba and the Caribbean with his family; hitting the blackjack tables while soaking in all the beauty and adventure life had to offer. He had a green thumb unlike any other and enjoyed spending countless hours outdoors creating flower beds filled with his favorite impatiens. Additionally, Tom had an immense talent for woodworking. With a shop in his basement, he honed his craft and let his creativity shine.
In his retirement, Tom loved spending time with his family around the pool, betting on sports, and reading novels. He also enjoyed tending to his large garden, selling vegetables and banana bread at his stand on Burnham St. W.
Tom was charming, good-humored, and above all, kind. He valued integrity, honesty, and doing right by others - principles he exemplified in his own life and instilled in the lives of many. He had a calming presence and always offered the best advice. He lived his life with no regrets, up until the very end.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Rose Azzara, of Manchester, his children, Lisa Alexander Batista and her husband Tony, of Willington and Dennisport, MA, Tom Azzara Jr. and his wife, Tammie, of Glastonbury, and Amy Azzara of New Smyrna, FL. He is also survived by his many grandchildren: Alyssa, Selina, Grace, Nic, Abby, Spencer, Ollie, and Jack. He also leaves behind a sister, Camille Proctor and her husband Jules, nephews William (Billy) Francis and his wife Marsha, Scott Francis, Mark Zaremskas and his wife Amber, and a niece, Julie-Anne Corda and her husband David; as well as many great-nephews and great-nieces whom he cherished. He is predeceased by his parents, Thomas Carmello and Anne (Remenik) Azzara, his sisters, Frances Francis Ball and Dolores Azzara, and his dogs, Allie and Moses.
A memorial service to honor Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford, CT, 06118. A prayer service will be held at noon for friends and family to share a few words about Tom.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, both organizations close to Tom’s heart.
Finally, the Azzara Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Tom’s caretaker, Tina Palifka, whom he called his “Angel,” for taking such wonderful care of him. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.
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