Obituaries

Dear Tom and Family, My sincere and heartfelt sympathies to you during this very sad time. I am sorry I am just finding out about the passing of the greatest man I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with. I will always cherish the times he and I shared walking to and from work. Along the way he told the most fantastic stories about his life and family. He always spoke so highly of his family, he loved you all so much. When my dad passed away Tom came to his wake, gave me the biggest bear hug and said, "you still have me".... He was truly an extraordinary and giving man and he will be more than missed.... May God rest the good and eternal soul of my dear friend and mentor Thomas A. Lyons Fondly, Tom Maglio I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last. Did you wonder I so calmly Trod the valley of the shade? Oh! but Jesus' arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still; Try to look beyond earth's shadows, Pray to trust our Father's Will. There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remaineth You shall rest in Jesus' land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come!

Posted by Tom Maglio on August 18, 2011

What a great gentle man with a soft sweetness about him. And how blessed we were to have known him and shared some great stories and times. A favorite memory will always be him walking the golf course with that iron hanging out of his back pocket. Who else could have managed a great shot with that extra club hanging on! I am sure the good Lord welcomed him with open arms and a great smile. The world will never have enough folks like Thomas A. Lyons, Jr.

Posted by John and Sandy Pegram on August 17, 2011

The Lyons family is my "second" family. The Lyons' have always been there for me. Being around Tom was always fun, whether we were playing golf, eating a meal or just chit-chatting. His laid-back style put everyone at ease. He had a great memory and could tell stories with the best of them. We always enjoyed the hand-drawn cards he would send in the later years. I regret not being able to get to Holliston on Monday to say goodbye. I'll miss "father."

Posted by Preston Cole on August 9, 2011

We were so sorry to hear of your loss.

Posted by Grace and Ed Reindle on August 7, 2011

We are sorry for your loss.

Posted by larry/joan marsell on August 7, 2011

My condolences to the entire family. I knew Tom from Pocasset Golf Club, he was the nicest person I think I ever knew or will ever know. I also used to see him when I walked along Cape Cod Canal bike path and I would see him in the garden, he always had a flower to give(with holder) amazing. He will be missed by a lot of people.

Posted by Ellie Durkin on August 6, 2011

we both loved you very much and appreciated your great sence of humor and great wit.

Posted by david and lynn trucchi on August 6, 2011

I am one of Tom Lyons' nine grandchildren. I know him as "Puppie." Puppie possessed a charm that put the more nervous soul at ease. With his dimpled smile and honest blue eyes he made people feel as though they were the most important person in the room. He had a genuine interest in everyone he spoke with. Whether it be the janitor or the president of a country club, he treated everyone with kindness, warmth and respect. Puppie saw everyone as equals, never dismissing anyone's thoughts or passions because of their age or status. Not once did I hear him talk down to someone, including children. People adored him. Going out with Puppie was such a delight- even when it was just to the community dining hall (which was often the case the last 6 months). Seeing the genuine pleasure on faces as he walked toward them, just knowing he was sure to make them laugh or smile, was wonderful. To know everyone saw how special he was felt so good. It made you feel better about yourself because it meant you were special- he had chosen to spend time with over all of his other admirers. Even when things were at their darkest, he still made us laugh. Puppie's sense of humor was fast and clever to the very end. My final exchange was filled laughter. His laugh is something I hope I wont soon forget. Puppie inspired me, among many others, to be a good person. He showed me how to be humble and laugh at myself. My grandfather taught me learning is a lifelong process that does not stop at retirement. During a visit in June he asked Sean how to draw a G-clef, explaining his struggle to swiftly execute the shape in one movement. The two talked strategy for several minutes. Last Wednesday, much to our delight, he told Sean and I he finally got it right. I am thankful for having him as long as I did and will continue to find strength and inspiration in his memory. It is wonderful to read other people's memories and thoughts of him.

Posted by Julie Lyons on August 5, 2011

I'm so sorry for your loss Dennis and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. J.Berry J.Jill

Posted by Jenn Berry on August 5, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. I will miss Tom dearly, it was a privilege and honor to know him and care for him. I will miss his stories and humor the most.

Posted by Christine Davidson on August 4, 2011

Living in Florida I haven't seen much of Tom in recent years but I have missed him.Thoughts of him have brought a smile to my face always. My association with him on the Holliston school committee was very rewarding. Fondly, I remember our golfing adventures in Florida,on the cape, in Vermont,and especially in Scotland. My heartfelt condolences to you Marge and the kids. Sincerely, John

Posted by John Centracchio on August 4, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I will miss my artist friend, his love for a good story, filled with tidbits and wisdom from a lifetime of adventure and experience. He was an inventor of several floral species and captured each of them in his wonderful botantical drawings. I will miss his dry wit, my annual Christmas card and will remember him whenever I see forsythia. I will keep him close as I watch the pachysandra he sent me from the cape continue to grow in my yard. Mr. Lyons, aka "Mike" (Michelangelo) loved art, golf, valued young people and their education and most of loved his family. As a friend, I witnessed the pride he held for each and everyone of you. I share in your loss of this special man. Love, Deborah

Posted by Deborah Eppler on August 4, 2011