Thomas J. Chechile

Thomas J. Chechile, A good soul with a heart of gold, was called home to be with God and his beloved parents, Jimmy and Theresa (Caporale) Chechile, on Thursday, March 1, 2018. He grew up in Springfield and in 1984 relocated to Wilbraham for 20 years and currently resided in East Longmeadow. He leaves behind his beloved and devoted sister Frances “Fran” Chechile to cherish his legacy. He was “The World’s Best Brother”.
Tom graduated from Cathedral High School, Class of 1948, attended Western New England College, now WNU. He worked for Baldwin Duckworth Chain Belt Company, now known as Rexnord. He had a successful career as an accountant and financial manager. Tom retired at the young age of 55 which allowed him a little more “free time” to do the things he enjoyed; golf, bowling, which awarded him many trophies, excellent cook, vacations at Hampton Beach, NH, horse racing at Tampa Downs, playing cards, casino trips and several winters in Florida. He also maintained a pristine yard and garden, one worthy of a magazine cover. In earlier years, he volunteered at the Junior Achievement of Western MA where he taught young people about money management in finance and how business works. He volunteered at the Holyoke Soldier’s Home, bringing home cooked meals to patients, Treasurer of the Polish American Veteran’s Bowling League, Founder of Duckworth Federal Credit Union, member of the US Marine Reserves, and served in the US Army. The family would like to extend a sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. “M.”, Medical Director of the Respiratory Unit at Baystate Medical Center for his compassion, kindness and support at this difficult time. In addition, thank you for the services of Murphy Avis Assisted Living, Inc. and for those who helped in his care, Helen, Miss Peggy, John and Rory.
Tom’s family will receive friends on Thursday, March 8th from 4-7 PM at the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow. His Funeral will begin on Friday, March 9th, 8:45 AM at the funeral home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Springfield. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Springfield.
Memorial donations may be made to the Thomas J. Chechile Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Community Foundation of Western MA, 333 Bridge St., Springfield, MA 01103 or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.