Northborough – Thomas E. Willems, 67, passed away Monday, May 16, 2016 at Marlborough Hospital after a long illness.
He leaves behind his devoted wife of 37 years, Patricia L. (Burns) Willems; his loving children, Kristen Tietjen and her husband Michael of Northborough, Nicholas Willems of Worcester, and Heather Willems and her fiancé Craig Hartwell of Clinton; five grandchildren; two sisters, Elizabeth Kindergran of Waltham and Deborah Donnelly and her husband James of Littleton; and two nieces and a nephew.
Born in Bethesda, Md., he was the son of the late Edgar and Catherine (Bourque) Willems. He was raised in Waltham and graduated from the former St. Mary’s High School, class of 1966.
He retired in 2011 after 25 years with Roche Bros. Supermarket.
During the 1990s, Tom ran AAU girls basketball leagues in Northborough and Marlborough. He enjoyed family trips, cooking, fishing and exploring the National Parks.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 20, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. in Hays Funeral Home. His funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 21, at 9:30 a.m., in St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main St., Northborough. Burial will follow in Howard Street Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation Finance Department, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.
