Thomas V. Yourell

During his formative years and into adulthood he developed an appreciation of music, the Gaelic language and mastering the accordion. Most importantly, he met the love of his life, Mary Patricia, and were married in Ireland in 1954. Three years later, together they embarked on a new life in America with their eldest son Tom, settling in Hartford, CT.

Within days of arriving in Hartford, he got his first job at the renowned G. Fox and Company. Within a few years he began his career at Aetna Life & Casualty, affectionately known as “Mother Aetna”, retiring after 32 years as a senior Programmer Analyst.

In the early 1960’s the family settled into the grand Oxford Street house in the Westend of Hartford. Through the decade of the 60’s and into the 70’s the family grew to a brood of ten. It was in the mid-60’s when the family found the “Cottage” in Old Lyme. There the family spent Summers enjoying the shoreline and developing close friends among the Old Lyme Shores community.

The 70’s brought a change of address for the family, twice, a farmhouse on an apple orchard in Canton, CT and then to West Hartford, CT.

Thomas had many interests. He loved to garden and earning a certificate through the University of Connecticut Master Gardener Program. Driving by the cottage in Old Lyme, one would see his work. Garden beds bursting with an array of vegetables and berries. Perennial and annual flowers offered a rainbow of colors throughout the growing year. He was also a beekeeper. He would harvest the most delicious wild honey. For many, it was a thrill to have a jar of honey show up in the mail or at your doorstep on the holidays

Thomas was an entrepreneur. He owned Rooney’s Package Store in Old Lyme for many years and passed the business down to his family.

Thomas was a lifelong member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and put his Christian faith into action by being a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Irish American Home Society, where he was once honored as the “Irishman of the Year”. Thomas donated his time at local soup kitchens on the CT Shoreline.

Music, especially Irish music, was Thomas’s true calling. He was a gifted singer, entertainer, and accomplished accordion player. He formed a four-piece band in the 60’s and played weddings, retirement parties, parades, and regular gigs at popular establishments throughout CT, MA, RI, NY, and FL. His audience was wide and large. In his later years he continued playing on his own for retirement and nursing homes, bringing joy to the elderly and ailing.

When asked how many people he played in front of; the answer…”I stopped counting at the tens of thousands.” After nearly 70 years he set aside his accordion, though it was not uncommon to hear him singing on his front porch or at a family gathering.

Thomas retired to Old Lyme, CT where he lived many happy years with family and friends. Old Lyme reminded him of Ireland and allowed him to enjoy the life well lived.

Thomas is survived by his sons, Thomas, Sean (Maureen), Patrick, Brendan (Dana); and daughters, Siobhan (Stephen) Tauro; Maureen, Mary (Matthew) Schauster, Deirdre (Jason) Walger, Eileen, grandsons Thomas, Owen, Aiden, Liam, Quinn, Jack, Cashlin, granddaughters Mairead, Molly, Ella, Gracie, Isabella, Grace, Zoe, Mairin, Maeve, great grandson Deaglan, and his loving sister Kathleen Rondeau and family.

Thomas is preceded in death by his wife Mary Patricia, son Liam Kevin, brother Frederick, and sister Emily Touzin.

The family would like to thank Bayview Health Care of Waterford, CT and the Lawrence & Memorial Hospital staff, 6th floor for their kindness and compassion. The family is comforted in knowing he was well taken care of his last few months and days.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 5:00-7:00pm in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Ave., Niantic, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 10:00am in St. Agnes Church, 22 Haigh Ave., Niantic, CT. Interment will follow in Duck River Cemetery, Old Lyme. Please visit www.fultontherouxniantic.com for photos, directions and to leave a tribute for the family.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations to be made to their local Foodbank or Soup Kitchen.