SOUTHWICK: Thomas Richard Despard, Jr., 65 , (1956-2021) devoted husband of 40 years to Jean M. (Leger) Despard died suddenly and unexpectedly at home on September 16, 2021.
Thomas was born on February 19, 1956 in Hartford, CT a son of Thomas R. Despard, Sr. of Southwick and the late Gail (O’Charek) Despard who predeceased Tom on September 3, 2020. He is survived by mother-in-law Madeline A. Leger of Southwick MA and the late Louis J. Leger of Springfield MA.
Tom was also predeceased by a granddaughter, Gracie Despard; sister, Dawn Despard; brother-in-law, Robert Leger (1992); and a brother-in-law by marriage, Joseph Conniff (2016), and a nephew, Leonard D. Paulsen, III.
Tom is survived by his three sons, Gregory L. Despard and his wife Laurie Despard of Westfield, MA, Curt T. Despard and his wife Jillian “Jill” Despard along with their children, Lincoln, Jacob, Annabelle Despard, all of Feeding Hills, MA, Thomas R. Despard, III and his wife Tara Lapointe and their children, Thomas R. Despard, IV and Scarlett G. Despard, all of Southwick; two brothers, Brian Despard and his wife Joanne, Keith Despard and his wife Lisa, all of West Springfield; three sisters, Roxanne D’Amours and her husband Bill, Wendy Delcamp and her husband Gary, Stacy Despard, all of Southwick, MA; two brothers-in-law, Anthony Leger and Martin Leger, both of Southwick, MA; two sisters-in-law, Louanne Conniff of California, Marie Paulsen of Granville; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Tom was a Southwick resident for over 40 years. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake Church.
A beloved son, an inspirational father, a fun grandfather and a friend to so many. “ TR” lived and loved everyday. Unexpected, but no doubt content and happy with the life he created; many trips and family memories. Enjoyed his career as a plumber, as well as the detail and pride he put into so many home improvement projects, their sanctuary, “Summer Breeze” (Congamond Lakes).
Always smiling, always laughing. An avid Yankees fan. His hobbies included, boating, golf, going to the beach and throwing a football with his family, playing in the pitch league, horseshoes, bocce ball, croquet, and hanging out at the nudist colony.
A free spirit and a believer, with a huge heart, will shine on in ours always.
Calling hours are from 4:00PM-7:00PM on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 in the Southwick Forastiere Funeral and Cremation, 624 College Highway, Southwick. A funeral home service will take place on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 11:00AM. Cremation will follow a private burial which will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southwick Fire Department, checks payable to “Southwick Fire Department”, 15 Depot St., Southwick, MA 01077 or to Citizens Restoring Congamond (CRC), checks payable to “Citizens Restoring Congamond”, Box 651, Southwick, MA 01077. Please visit forastierefuneralhome.com for more information.
