Thomas M. McCloskey

Thomas M. McCloskey, retired Executive Director of the Fall River Community Development Agency, died December 5 at the age of 87. He was the husband of the late Janina (Pietraszek) McCloskey, who preceded him in death in 2014 after 58 years of marriage.

A lifelong Fall River resident and a son of the late Charles A. and Margaret (Manning) McCloskey, he was a graduate of Coyle High School and Bradford Durfee Technological Institute (now UMass-Dartmouth).

His professional career began at the Fall River Herald News as a reporter in the sports and suburban departments. In 1960, he transferred to the Providence Journal in its Fall River Bureau office, working alongside the late Jud Sullivan. In 1965 he became manager of the Fall River Bureau.

Tom was appointed by Mayor Nicholas W. Mitchell as Assistant Director of the Fall River Model Cities Agency in 1969. That later became the Community Development Agency, where he again served as Assistant Director before becoming Executive Director in 1998 upon the death of Paul Poulos. Tom retired in 2002 after 32 years of municipal service and having served under six mayors.

He was particularly proud of his participation at the 1975 National Municipal Association competition in San Diego, CA that led to the City of Fall River being selected as an All American City.

During that municipal career Tom held membership in the National Community Development Association and served on its Board of Directors at both the regional and national levels. In 2001, he was presented with the Paul Poulos Achievement Award by the New England association.

Upon retirement, Tom served as chairman of the Fall River Disability Commission and was a former member of the Board of Directors of St. Vincent's Home. He was also a Eucharistic Minister and Men's Club member at Holy Name Church.

A long-time golfer, he was active in the Cathedral, City Hall, and Notre Dame Golf Leagues both as a player and league official. In his retirement years, Tom volunteered as a starter/ranger at Swansea Country Club for 13 years. He and Janina enjoyed many pleasurable years on various golf venues and particularly enjoyed annual visits to Myrtle Beach, SC courses.

He was a member of the Over The Hill Gang and the former Clover Club, as well as the Massachusetts Track and Field Officials Association, officiating winter and spring track meets for several years at Durfee High School.

Tom is survived by his loving children, Christina F. and Christian T. McCloskey of Fall River, Justin T. (and Leslie) McCloskey of Madison, Ct., Adam T. McCloskey (and Ruth Siporin) of Waltham, and Megan (and Peter) Mandeville of Dartmouth; grandchildren Sarah and Alexander Madison-McCloskey, Matthew and Michelle McCloskey, and Cole and Abigail Mandeville; and great granddaughter Kaitlyn Madison-McCloskey; sister Margo (and Stephen) Waddicor of Fall River, and several nieces,nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by siblings John K., Charles A., James J., and Maureen C. McCloskey.

He joined with Janina in donating their remains to the Harvard University Medical School for education, research, and science/therapy advancement. In lieu of flowers, please take a loved one out to dinner.

A Memorial Mass for Mr. McCloskey will be held on Saturday, December 15 at 10:00 AM in Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover St, Fall River. The family will receive guests at church prior to Mass from 9:00-10:00 AM. Burial will be private.