MEDWAY: Thomas F. Bannon

Thomas F. Bannon, age 69, passed away on Thursday, October 03, 2024, at his home in Medway, Massachusetts. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on May 6, 1955, he was the son of Edward F. and Margaret M. (Harrison) Bannon. Tom was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts along with his eight siblings. He developed a love for cars in his youth, tagging along to the Norwood Arena with his brothers.

After his graduation from Walpole High School with the class of 1973, Tom began working at Goldie's junkyard. Tom learned how to drive the ramp trucks and soon mastered the art of towing for the company. He made many friends at Goldie's and learned many new skills over the years.

Through friends at Goldie's, Tom made the acquaintance of Claudette Garrity. They developed a friendship over the years, which would blossom into love when they began dating in 1989. The pair enjoyed going out dancing together and enjoying delicious dinners at their favorite local restaurants. At the end of their dates, Tom would often leave Claudette with some Reese's candies or other sweet treats for her children, a little thank you for letting him borrow their mom for the evening.

In 1990 Tom and Claudette took the next step in their relationship, with Claudette and the kids moving to Walpole, joining Tom at his home. Tom was thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of the kids’ lives and cement his relationship with Claudette further. A few short years later, on July 2, 1994, Tom married the love of his life, Claudette, at their home in Walpole.

Around this time, Tom accepted a position with Corning as a warehouse coordinator. He would remain with Corning through its merger with Bayer, and again through Bayer's merger with Siemens. Tom was a loyal and dependable employee for the company until his retirement in 2020.

In 2007, with the kids grown, Tom and Claudette decided to downsize and move to the perfect home in Medway, Massachusetts.

In his free time, Tom had many hobbies and interests. Tom loved to play softball as well as bowl. He had a stellar collection of records, many of them country. His all-time favorite song being "Pancho and Lefty" by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. Tom would often relax by reading a good book.

Throughout Tom's life, he enjoyed taking trips down to Falmouth with Claudette and the kids, as he loved sharing this special place with his new family. His family was so important to him. He loved his wife and his children with all of his heart and felt especially blessed when he became a grandfather. He was close with his grandchildren, sharing his love for reading with Kileigh and often playing the student to Kensley's teacher and reciting the "Our Father" together.

Beloved husband of Claudette J. (Garrity) Bannon

Loving father of Edward J. Garrity of Franklin, Erica L. Blanchard and her husband Brian of Mansfield, and Desmia Bunnell of Millville

Cherished grandfather of Kileigh Garrity and Kensley Blanchard

Brother of Margaret "Margie" M. O'Neil and her husband Sparky of Walpole, Janice M. Godino of North Attleborough, Frances "Fran" E. Cacciagrani and her husband Dick of Walpole, Marcia J. Rasicot and her late husband James of North Attleborough, the late Edward W. Bannon, the late Sylvia "Cissy" A. Smith and her surviving husband Edward of Wilmington, the late Michael F. Bannon and his surviving wife Chrissy of Walpole, the late John J. "Jackie" Bannon and his late wife Alice Bannon.

Also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Tom's Life Celebration on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at 320 Nevada Street Suite 201 Newton, MA 02460 or by visiting https://www.alz.org/manh