Thomas Richardson Haddock

Tom grew up in Pearl River, New York and graduated from Gettysburg College in 1953. He served as an Infantry Marine in the First Marine Division and was a veteran of the Korean War. Tom was a devoted husband who married his High School sweetheart, Lucy, in 1955. After marrying he began his 40-year career as an Employee Benefits Executive while still living in New York. In 1960, Dad was transferred by Connecticut General Life Insurance Company to be Manager of the Group Insurance Atlanta office.

We, his daughters Susie and Cathy were blessed with a loving and caring Dad.

Dad was a lifelong Christian who lived his faith through active participation in fellowship and outreach. He enjoyed teaching and singing in the choir. He was baptized, confirmed and married in the Lutheran Church and forged lifelong friendships through those years. Later in life his faith led him to a new church family at Intown Community Church (Presbyterian) where Dad and Mom together joined in 2000 and Dad served as a Deacon.

Although he volunteered with several organizations while working, it was after retirement that Dad was able to fulfill his life mission to help others full-time. In addition to his work through Intown, he was actively involved in FODAC, Right To Life, 40 Days for Life, the Atlanta Pregnancy Resource Center, the Atlanta VA Hospital and the Republican Party. He also individually helped newly arriving immigrants in many ways - but especially with transportation. He bought and gave cars, auto insurance and driving lessons to many people who needed help getting to and from work. As Christ’s servant, he humbly and unceasingly served others.

A Braves, Falcons and Alabama fan, Dad was loyal to his teams, win or lose. An enthusiastic tennis fan and player, he played with ALTA and in later years played 3 on 3 Seniors Tennis at Mason Mill Park, well into his 80s.

After his diagnosis in 2009, Dad didn’t let Parkinson’s Disease slow him down. The last thing he wanted was for someone to take care of him. He and Mom dove in, educating themselves and joining support groups. Dad participated in trials, studies, and therapy through strenuous exercise.

Dad was a consummate "people person", who struck up a conversation wherever he was and with whomever was around, effortlessly connecting with people. He was truly interested in their lives and would help them if needed. Dad kept in touch with many friends from his school years for most of his life until Parkinson's Disease hampered communication. In the words of a longtime friend, " He was a great guy, one tough cookie. He was fun to be around, a Pearl River wonder. Full of life with an engaging sense of humor who was an absolute solid citizen."

Thomas Richardson Haddock is survived by his wife Lucille Charlotte Haddock; children Susan Brown (Brad) of Lawrenceville, Catherine Shirah (Tim) of Tucker; grandchildren Duncan Shirah (Tyna), Kyle Brown, Logan Shirah, Evan Brown; great-granddaughter Nora Shirah, all of the Atlanta area; brother Charles Haddock (Barbara) of North Brookfield, MA.

We want to not only celebrate Dads life, but celebrate all of you, the people who have touched his life.

Please join us for a Service and Celebration of Life to be held Friday, October 14th, 2 PM, in the Pavilion on the first floor of KingsBridge Retirement Community, 3055 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA 30329

"Parking is limited at KingsBridge. Please drop off any passengers with limited mobility at the front entrance and park in the lower lots. Please check in at the front desk, then take the elevator or stairs to the first floor. Turn right and follow the hallway all the way to the end, then to the left through the dining room, and down another short hall to the pavilion."

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The American Parkinson's Disease Association (http://www.apdaparkinson.org), or to KingsBridge Retirement Community at the address above.