- Date Of Birth: January 10, 1927
- Date Of Death: March 31, 2007
- State: Connecticut
Thomas J. McNamara, 80, of Forestville, passed to eternal rest early Saturday (March 31, 2007) surrounded by his loving family.
Tom was born January 10, 1927 in New Britain to the late Thomas Francis and Mary (Daley) McNamara. He grew up in New Britain and graduated from New Britain High School in 1944. He was an extremely dedicated employee of the Aetna Life and Casualty Company from 1947 until his retirement in 1987. In 1955 he married his wife, May (Flynn) McNamara and moved to Forestville. His long life was highlighted by his passion for railroading, starting in his youth by photographing and documenting all aspects of trains including the Connecticut Company Trolley’s and especially the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. His extensive color photography earned him countless publications in railroad literature and periodicals. A biography of his work entitled “New Haven Trackside with Thomas J. McNamara” was released in 1998. He was a founding and lifelong member of the East Haven Trolley Museum, culminating with his appointment as motorman operating the trolleys he so dearly loved. He was an avid duckpin bowler and active in the Aetna Men’s Club for many years. He was devout member of St.
Besides his wife, May, he leaves his two sons, Patrick McNamara of Richmond, VA, John McNamara and his wife, Gail of Bristol; three grandsons, John, Jr., Zachary, and Seth McNamara all of Bristol; a sister, Mary Blue of Port St. Lucie, FL; a brother, James McNamara of Wethersfield; and several nieces and nephews. Tom’s dry wit and humor amused and delighted everyone relentlessly. He will be missed by all.
