Thomas Connelly III

On Tuesday September 19th, 2023, Thomas Hurley Connelly III returned to the stars while next to his wife and father. He is survived and eternally missed by his wife, Sarah Bramblet and their love Mazikeen; his father, Thomas Connelly Jr; his nine Aunts and Uncles; nine Cousins, and dear friends who became his chosen family and who will love him always.

Tom made anything possible for everyone he knew. No idea was too small, no adventure too unknown for Tom to support. Tom was unapologetically himself at all times and encouraged those around him to shine. He was witty, silly, kind, and always heartfelt. No one was left out when Tom was in the room.

Tom’s intellect and instinct were unparalleled. He was constantly learning, searching for new worlds to explore. Tom was fascinated with possibility. Tom would say to all of us that in the multiverse there is a world where he is still here. Alongside all of us. Tom was a superhero to so many people. He lived fully. He loved completely. Tom was fiercely loyal. Once you were loved by Tom, that love came with no restrictions or exceptions.

Tom worked in Information Technology at Epicor for 18 years, but he began exploring the tech field much earlier through robotics courses at Cranston West High School. Tom said in ten years he would be able to build an AI Tom where he could upload himself and stay forever. He was fascinated with movies and photography. He made countless videos to celebrate the milestones and events for his loved ones, spending hours to make them perfect and special. Tom was the ultimate explorer. He wanted to go to new worlds. He truly believed and embodied that life was here to be fully lived.

Tom and his wife Sarah built a beautiful life together for ten years. They lived a country apart when they met, but Tom always said he knew he was going to steal her from the West Coast to be with him. Within eight months of dating, he did just that. While Tom was a lover of grand gestures, booking trips and planning surprises, it was in ordinary moments that Tom embodied his love. He would research and experiment with how to make the perfect cup of coffee, even though he didn’t drink it, just so Sarah could always have the perfect cup. He hid cards around the house for her to find any time he had to travel, he would make up dances to the theme song of her favorite show to send to her when she was away. Their life was built on the foundation of unconditional love, trust, and adventure. They filled it with caring for family and friends, traveling to countless states and countries together, hosting spontaneous get-togethers, and opening their house on Christmas Eve for anyone who wanted to stop by. Tom adored their sweet puppy, Mazikeen. No matter how busy his day was, he would take time to spend with her, making sure she had his attention and love. Tom and Sarah were each other’s strength through illness, surgeries, and loss. Tom always found a way to make every day special. During the adventures and the painful times, every day started, and every night ended with a kiss and an “I love you”. Every day.

On his next birthday Tom will achieve his ultimate goal of exploring beyond this earth, when he will be sent to space, where he will come back to us all as rain and snow. Tom knew that energy could not be created or destroyed. Tom will be with us always.

Tom’s friends and family will be gathering to say goodbye to him on Friday October 6th, 2023 , at 2pm at the Chapel of Hope and Memory in Swan Point Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Thomas Hurley Connelly, III can be made to the HCM Center and Research Institute at Tufts Medical Center. Gifts can be made online at giving.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/give where on the Designation drop down select "Other" and enter "HCM Center and Research Institute", by calling the office at 617.636.7656, or by mailing a check with Tom's name in the memo to Tufts Medical Center Development Office 800 Washington Street, #231 Boston, MA 02111.