Marlborough – Thomas D. Gately, 84, of Marlborough, died Friday, Feb. 5, 2016 at his home with his family at his side. Born in Marlborough, he was the son of the late James A. and Bessie R. (Roche) Gately and the husband of Simone (Walcott) Gately, to whom he had been married for the past 54 years.
A graduate of UMass Amherst, he had been employed as an insurance adjuster for Kemper Insurance Company until retiring in 1990. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a 1st LT. in the Armored Recon Unit.
Tom was a dedicated husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. As a lifelong resident of Marlborough, he cultivated relationships that spanned decades.
Tom cared deeply for those around him, and could always be found engaged in some project, task or activity that directly involved the betterment of others. Along with his quick wit and unwavering sense of humor, he was widely known for his selflessness and willingness to give in any way he could. His legacy will live on through his loving family and friends.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his sons, James H. Gately and his wife Cathleen of Hudson, Steven P. Gately and his wife Tracie of Marlborough, David T. Gately and his wife Jennifer of Hopkinton, and Michael J. Gately and his wife Amy of Westborough; his daughters, Ellen G. Lafortune and her husband David of Warren, and Karen Redick and her husband Bob of Semora, N.C.; his sister, Marie O’Brien of Anaheim, Calif.; his grandchildren, Jennifer and her husband Craig, Joseph, Jeanne, Thomas, Katie, Mark, Nicole, Rachel, Adam, Brendan and Owen; his great-granddaughter, Sarah; his brother-in-law, Paul Walcott and his wife Lynda; his nieces, Cathy Mellon, Jeanne Ferrell, Maureen Jordan, Anne O’Hara, and Denise Leavitt; his nephew, Paul V. Walcott; and his close cousins, Peter Roche and Ann Lavelle and their families.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, Feb.10, from 4-7 p.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home, 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m., at the Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect St., Marlborough. Burial will be private.
Donations may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Dr., Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
