Thomas W English PhD, age 80, of Norwich, Connecticut passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2022. Thomas was born January 10, 1942. Tom was a gentleman who loved every member of his family. He leaves behind his daughters Colleen Gambardella (Al), Kate English (Todd), son Patrick English (Anna) and stepson Andy (Rachel), his sister Sharon Birmingham, eight grandchildren and nieces and nephews, and a brother-in-law John Manfred. He also loved and respected his wife’s family, especially his still very much alive mother-in-law Edna Haagensen.
Special mention is due to his loyal companion who stayed by his bedside in life and in death, Heidi-the-poodle. Like the legendary Greyfriars Bobby, Heidi even followed the funeral-home entourage out to the hearse.
His favorite past times included visiting family whether they were living in Oregon, Australia, Alaska, Massachusetts, Maine or Connecticut. He always made an effort to attend his children and grandchildren’s sports events, graduations, and birthdays.
He had a passion for traveling just about anywhere and his appointment to NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) afforded the opportunity to evaluate school accreditation in Angola, China, Saudi Arabia, Lesotho, United Kingdom, Dubai, Costa Rica, Switzerland, and Colombia.
He was a dedicated educator as Director of Pupil Services for Regional School District #4 office in Deep River, CT. Thanks goes to the local groups of Alcoholics Anonymous to whom he turned to maintain his sobriety.
Tom and Linda McGiveron English were married for 32 years and cherished each other. Tom and Linda lived in New London, Connecticut for 27 years. The following organizations have been selected for donations. In New London: www.uwsect.org/tommy-toy-fund
www.Gardearts.org and www.NewLondonLandmarks.org
And in Norwich, www.firstcongregationalchurchofnorwich.com
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 28, at First Congregational/Baptist Church of Norwich at 81 East Town Street at 2:00 p.m.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.churchandallen.com for the English family.
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