WESTFIELD: Thomas Mark Wingate, 61, passed away on August 1, 2021 at home after a long-fought battle with cancer. He was born in Springfield on March 30, 1960 to parents Robert and Lucille (Pioretta) Wingate. Tom was a 1978 honor graduate of Westfield High and a 1980 honor graduate of the University of Hartford, Ward School of Electronics. Tom started his career at Comark, then on to the Post Office Bulk Mail Center for 29 years and most recently to Coca-Cola of Northampton. Tom enjoyed being with his sons coaching and watching every sport they participated in. He later joined an adult hockey team. He enjoyed remodeling his home and fixing anything electronic. Most recently he and Kathy enjoyed their time at Congamond Lake with their “Southwick Friends” making many memories. In 2016 he was named a “Walk Hero” for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund. Tom, his brother Steve and Dave Johnson walked 13 miles to Copley Square. In 2017 Tom and Steve did a repeat. Tom’s picture poster was the 21st mile marker.
Tom is survived by his wife Kathy, mother Lucille, his sons Tyler and his wife Stephanie, Kyle and Jacob all of Westfield, his brother Stephen and his wife Melinda and his sister Karen Shute and husband Richard. He also leaves his niece and godchild, Hanna and Sara of Texas, nephew Casey and great-niece Cirilla of Texas, aunt and godmother Joan Minicucci and cousin’s Dan, Michael, Chris and Maria D’Amico, uncle John and Janice Pioretta and cousins Scott and David, cousins Joe and Gary Pignitare, his faithful dog Zoe and Luna. Tom had a large and caring 2nd family, the Liptak’s.
Tom was predeceased by his father Bob, his infant sister Lynn, his grandparents John and nonni Rose Gianchetti Pioretta, William and Margaret Liptak Wingate, his uncle Angelo Minnicucci, aunt Peggy Harper and godfather Adam Liptak.
Thanks to everyone who supported Tom during his illness, all who went to chemo with him for the past 7 ½ years and all who came to visit for the last 3 weeks. Thanks for all the doctors and nurses at Dana Farber, especially Dr. Robinson and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Most recently the staff of Overlook, Lori, Kate, Amber, Michelle, Janice and Renee for their loving care.
The funeral for Tom will be held on Saturday, August 7th at 12 noon at Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 10-12 noon Saturday morning. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Firtionadams.com
