Thomas S. Tarara

Thomas Sherman Tarara, 83, of Leominster, died on Saturday, July 13 at the Highlands, Fitchburg, MA, after a long battle with dementia.

He was born in Fitchburg in 1941, son of the late Moses and Gertrude (Haschig) Tarara, and graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1958. He was a US Veteran, serving in the US Air Force, active duty from 1958 to 1963, followed by Air Force reserves through 1968, honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sargent. He married Marcia Jean LaPointe of Winchendon in 1966.

Tom worked for the Boy Scouts of America for 11 years as a District Scout Executive, in Derby, CT, and Haverhill, MA. He received his associates’ degree from Worcester Junior College, and worked for Hanover Insurance Co. in Worcester for over 21 years as an Automation Manager for the Loss Control Department.

His life was devoted to helping others; he served for cumulatively over 60 years as a leader and volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America, as a BSA summer camp director, continuing as a volunteer leader for his own sons and grandson, as well as continuing to foster many scouts in achieving their Eagle badges. Tom possessed an infectious enthusiasm for the outdoors, and profoundly believed in the Scout Law as a valuable approach to life.

Tom was a man of deep Catholic faith, and actively participated in his church communities throughout his life. He was a parishioner at St. Leo’s Church in Leominster, serving as a Eucharistic Minister for over 10 years, and played the role of Santa every holiday season at the church fair for more than 25 years.

An active member of the Leominster community, he was a dedicated volunteer at Leominster Hospital for over 10 years; was a charter member and volunteer with Sholan Farms; was a 3rd degree member of the St. Leo’s Knights of Columbus; and was a member of Kiwanis Club as well as the Montachusett Rotary Club. He received numerous honors throughout the years, including Rotarian of the Year in 2010, and volunteer recognition from the Leominster Hospital Guild. As a Veteran, he was a member of American Legion Post 0151, and an active member of VFW Post 1807, participating annually with the Wreaths Across America program and placing grave-site flags for Memorial Day. The impact and reach of his energy and participation is immense.

He also volunteered at all the schools his children attended and participated actively in their education and activities. Several of his children worked many years at Gove Farm, in Leominster, MA, and his enthusiasm and support of daily work and life on the farm was felt by all who worked there and benefitted from his Sundae Sundays.

He leaves his wife of 58 years Marcia (LaPointe) Tarara and four children and six grandchildren; Dr. Julie Tarara of Washington State; Dr. Daniel Tarara and wife Rosemarie of North Carolina and their children Abigail and Emma; Amy Taber of Pennsylvania and her son Thomas; and Michael Tarara and his wife Sara of Fitchburg and their children Nicholas, Genevieve and Cameron. He also leaves his brother and sister-in-law, David and Sally Tarara of Athol along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 10:30 AM, in St. Leo’s Church,128 Main Street, Leominster, MA.  A private interment for immediate family will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, MA.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Tom’s name to; St. Leo’s Parish, 108 Main Street, Leominster, MA 01453 or the Alzheimer’s Association @  alz.org

Wright-Roy Funeral Home, Inc., 109 West Street, Leominster is directing arrangements.  To leave a message of condolence visit; www.wrightroyfuneralhome.com

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