Thomas` Robert Lally

Thomas Robert Lally, passed away with his loving wife of 64 years by his side, Thomas Robert Lally, aged 87, passed away peacefully at MaineGeneral Medical Center hospital on Friday, August 4, 2023. Tom was the loving husband of Linda Webster Read Lally, beloved father of John Robert Lally and the late Michael Mark Lally, cherished father-in-law of Lisa Francine and Margaret Schindel, doting grandfather of Douglas Thomas Lally and Jenna Davina Lally, treasured son of the late Thomas John Lally and the late Mildred Jacobson Lally, dear brother of the late Patricia Ann Lally Dolan and caring brother-in-law of the late Mark Read. He is fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews.

Tom was never happier than when he was in Maine with Linda during their retirement, fishing in Torsey Pond steps from their beloved cottage in Mount Vernon, Maine, with friends and family from around the country coming to visit. An avid fly fisherman, award winning fly tyer and fishing rod builder, Tom also enjoyed trap and skeet shooting and was a talented photographer and watercolorist. He was an opera lover who enjoyed trips to New York for performances at the Metropolitan Opera and, later, watching Live at the Met performances in local movie theaters. He and Linda loved attending their opera appreciation class.

Tom lived a very full life, raising a wonderful family and spending 40 years as a semiconductor engineer for MACOM Technology Solutions. He was respected by colleagues, who often affectionately called him “Dad.” He and Linda lived in North Reading, Massachusetts for more than 60 years and he was extremely active in the community. He was the president of the now-defunct Greater Lowell Fly Fishers club, worked tirelessly for the North Reading Music Boosters, and was a member of the Danvers Rod & Gun Club and Quannapowitt Rod and Gun Club. He and Linda purchased their Maine cottage on Torsey Pond in 1991, where Tom served as director and treasurer of the Quiet Harbor Road Association.

He graduated from Quincy High School in 1954, then earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University.

One of Tom’s special gifts was constantly finding joy in simple, everyday things, a joy that was contagious. He was a gentle soul who always made those around him feel valued and respected and quickly earned the respect of everyone who met him. He was also a true gentleman with unaffected, old-fashioned manners and instilled a respect for others, especially women, in his sons. He felt blessed to be married to the love of his life and showed his deep affection for Linda in quiet but meaningful ways, such as building or fixing things for her and making breakfast for her. He was a wonderful father and grandfather whose children and their spouses as well as his grandchildren adored him. He was also a gifted and patient teacher, demystifying the complexities of a car engine or semiconductor in easy-to-understand terms and instilling that same patience and nonjudgmental, supportive manner in his sons.

He loved being outdoors in nature, spending many hours in his boat, marveling at the beauty of a sunset or listening to the calls of the loons on Torsey Pond. He also derived great satisfaction from building and fixing things. Most of all, he loved being with his wife, extended family and many friends.

Tom was an extraordinary man who will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him. Their lives have been immeasurably enriched by his wisdom, kindness, gentleness, generosity and caring.

Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St, North Reading (Corner of Park St. and Rt. 28 at the Reading Line) on Saturday, August 19 from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Following the visitation, a memorial service to Celebrate Tom’s Life will be held at the funeral home at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to North Reading Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 529, North Reading, MA 01864 or any other charitable organization of your choice.

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