1979 - 2023
Visitation
June 29, 20235:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
June 30, 202311:00 AM
St. John the Evangelist Church
In Loving Memory of Thomas James Callery
February 16, 1979 – June 26, 2023
Thomas James Callery, affectionately known as “Gut,” passed away after bravely battling a long illness. He leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, and a life well-lived. Tom’s warm heart and larger-than-life personality touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed.
Born on February 16, 1979, Tom was a native of North Chelmsford, a town he held close to his heart. He was a faithful Catholic and a cherished member of the Knights of Columbus. Tom found solace and strength in his faith, which guided him through life’s challenges.
Tom had an unmistakable presence, standing tall both in stature and in character. His infectious laughter would light up any room, bringing joy to those around him. Despite his size, he had a gentle spirit and a generous soul that endeared him to all who knew him.
Tom’s passions were as varied as they were genuine. He found pleasure in the simple things in life, such as enjoying good cigars, tending to his beekeeping hobby, and nurturing his beautiful garden. A lover of Chinese cuisine, he could often be found savoring his favorite dishes. Tom’s loyalty ran deep for Boston sports teams, and he cheered passionately for them.
Beyond his personal interests, Tom had a profound compassion for those less fortunate. He dedicated himself to helping the homeless and worked tirelessly to make a positive impact in their lives. His selflessness and dedication inspired many, and his efforts will continue to make a lasting difference in the community.
Tom is survived by his dear friends, Amanda Wagemaker-Drew, Christian and Kristin Erhartic, Jay Lynch, Celine Soucy, Brian Craven, Netto Ramos and his beloved dog Thor, who brought him immeasurable joy and companionship. Although his journey has come to an end, his spirit will live on through the cherished memories and lasting impressions he left on the lives he touched.
Tom joins his beloved Aunt Josephine “Auntie” Ryan and Uncle William “Bill” Ryan in eternal peace. Their loving presence surely awaits him in the embrace of heaven.
Friends, acquaintances and loved ones are invited to pay their respects at Dolan’s Funeral Home in North Chelmsford on Thursday, June 29th, from 5-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in remembrance of Thomas at St. John the Evangelist Parish in North Chelmsford, MA, on Friday, June 30th at 11AM. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Chelmsford, MA.
In honor of Tom’s memory, donations can be made to The Chelmsford Food Pantry, continuing the legacy of his philanthropic spirit and dedication to serving others.
As we bid farewell to our dear friend, let us remember the laughter, the warmth, and the generosity that defined Tom’s life. May his spirit forever guide us, and may his memory be a blessing to us all. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
James S Barrows
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Tom had a tremendous faith and a heart of gold. I was blessed to have known him and to have helped him with his homeless ministry.
Peace my brother
Kevin Cox
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One of Tom’s joys was going to the beach, and while they’re visiting the arcades and playing some ski ball while giving away his tickets to some wide eyed deserving child. He was also known to indulge in a few lobster rolls. I will sorely miss going to the beach with him.
Julie Wright
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Tom was one of a kind ! I had a nickname for him
“ Tom the Baptist”. The first time I called him by this name he laughed and appeared to be ok with being compared to a great Saint John the Baptist. Tom had a presence that you couldn’t ignore.
He truly was a gentle giant and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know Tom. I have learned from him to be bold and not be shy in sharing my faith openly and boldly with unwavering conviction. You will be missed and I trust that your presence will remain with us in a spiritual realm. Rest in sweet peace Tom . ❤️??
Peter Parchesky
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Will miss you, brother. Thank you for being such a big part of my (and my family’s) story and for all the prayers. Please keep praying for me and I will you… Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen
Scott Dolliver
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Those of us who knew Tom are so blessed that he was part of our lives. Heaven has gained a powerful angel. I have a Rosary that I got from him and will never forget him. Rest well good man.
Lauren Abbate
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I had the great good fortune to be Tom’s primary care doctor for many years. It was really a privilege to be able to take care of someone I respected and admired so much, and who was such interesting company. He was a great guy to talk to whether it was comparing notes about East Burke, schooling me on the intricacies of beekeeping, or going deep in Christian philosophy. Of course we eventually got around to talking about his health too — now you know why your doctor is always late! Very seldom have I met a person who lived their faith the way Tom did. With his death he leaves a big hole. I don’t expect to ever meet anyone like him again. Go with God, friend.
Mark Greenwood
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Tom my wife and I will remember you fondly for as long as we live. Your bellowing laugh and gigantic heart literally and figuratively filled the room we shared. When I was ill you brought me peace. When you were ill you took peace in company. Barefoot feeding the hungry, or hours spent on the phone you were always Tommy. I love you my brother. God didn’t gain a warrior, he always had you and you always had him. Jesus will be laughing hard tonight. Your sense of humor is contagious. I will fight on in my battle as you have given me a shining example. We were made flesh of the same flesh before the dawn of time. You have gained your reward. We will miss you. The world is far emptier today. The whole Greenwood Family sends their condolences to your family.
DAVID MURPHY
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Will miss Tom , glad he is no longer hurting and with Jesus and his close friend Mark Birrille.
Happy for him sad for us. Loved spending time with Tom remember saying a Beautiful rosary at the Mary statue in Waltham Espousal center with Tom , my son Jon , Joe Cooley ,wish we could go back and say another rosary with Tom . Rest in peace.
Michael L. Brooks
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I worked with big Tom at the bridge over troubled Waters a shelter for young adults in Boston Mass on the overnight shift. Of all the coworkers and individuals that I’ve encountered in my life I found Tom to be a wonderful caring upbeat individual. Tom And myself worked with young adults from the streets of Massachusetts. And he could get through to the most difficult of people I found it extraordinary that young urban youth would gravitate towards Tom liking him and trusting him and following his instruction when no other staff person could get through.Tom never allowed me to pay For coffee or whatever refreshment we had on our shift together. I’m heartbroken and devastated his spirit will live on I’m sure his wings were already for him when he arrived in the embrace of our Lord. Farewell my friend! You Da man!
Edward Ciampa
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Tom: You were one of my dearest friends. You were always there whenever I was unable to solve a difficult problem. I will always cherish all of the hours we spent together at your North Chelmsford home (with your “Aunt Jose” who you cared for during the last years of her life) and then your Andover home (with your super dog friend “Thor”). The summer times we spent with Kevin Cox and myself at “Long Sands” beach in Maine will always be remembered. Thanks for your special help you gave to me when I was pretty sick a couple of months ago and you did this on the phone while you were at MGH yourself! I’ll always remember you buddy! Save a place for me with you in heaven! God bless.Your friend, Ed.
Joyce Wholey
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RIP, Tom. You are God’s servant called home to be with Him. May you rest with Jesus. I remember you as a child, and loved seeing you with your Aunt Jo. I was honored when she called me at St. John’s to ask to help with your wish for First Communion. you were like a sponge listening about Jesus. That compassion continued to grow. You were a vessel for Christ in far greater reaches of this Earth that I could ever be. Now God has invited you to rest your weary body. Be at Peace.
Joyce
Keith Bomil
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Tom, I’ll always remember the fun times we had at the Shamrock, on the boat, in the jeep and just hanging out. You were a great friend. I will miss you buddy! RIP
Clarissa Lion
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Tom already knows what I’m going to write. That’s because Tom was one of my best friends, especially in spirituality. The level of his faith ran so deep. He was one of the only people I felt like I could talk to about God. When someone’s faith runs a deeply as Tom’s, it’s evident and inspires anyone and any animal around them. The world will miss you Tom, but you are never forgotten. The light of Jesus walks with you.
Keith
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I know this isn’t the place to write this but maybe one day someone that knows something will see this somehow in cleaning after Tom passed away my toolbox went missing I would love to get it back I wanted to go back to being a mechanic