State Trooper Thomas L. Clardy laid to rest in Hudson

By
Community Advocate
-
420

State troopers march south on Manning Street toward St. Michael’s Church.
State troopers march south on Manning Street toward St. Michael’s Church.

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer

Hudson – Family, friends, colleagues and townspeople gathered March 22 at St. Michael’s Church for the funeral service of State Trooper Thomas L. Clardy, 44, who lived in Hudson with his wife Reisa, and their six children, ages 4 to 17. Pallbearers were his colleagues from the Charlton barracks, where he was most recently stationed. Thousands of law enforcement officers from throughout the country attended to give him a final salute.

Clardy was killed in the line of duty March 16 while conducting a routine traffic stop on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Charlton. A speeding car struck his SUV in the breakdown lane. At the time of his death, Clardy was working a special patrol to prevent traffic crashes.

Several people shared their memories of him including Bishop William Benjaminsen of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Marlborough, the Mormon congregation where Clardy was a member. Benjaminsen noted that Clardy was taken too soon.

“Tom still had much to give, but what he did provide to us was a life filled with service to his country, to the people of Massachusetts, and most importantly to his family,” he said. “There are numerous stories of Tom’s compassion for others even when they had broken the law. Those stories and the people touched by him will continue to live on and bear witness of his character.”

The funeral was held at Hudson’s Roman Catholic parish church to accommodate the large number of mourners. The service was broadcast via outdoor speakers for the public to hear.

Following the service, residents lined Main Street as the procession passed. Some of them paid respect for Clardy, an Army and Marine Corps veteran, by carrying American flags decorated with blue ribbons, which has become a common sight around town since March 17 when Clardy’s body arrived at Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home.

The burial service with full ceremonial honors followed at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Clardy Children’s Fund, c/o Avidia Bank, 42 Main St., Hudson, MA 01749.

Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.

The funeral procession nears Main Street.
The funeral procession nears Main Street.
State troopers march on Manning Street toward the church before the service.
State troopers march on Manning Street toward the church before the service.
Troopers represent several states at the funeral.
Troopers represent several states at the funeral.
Bagpipers play as the Clardy family arrives.
Bagpipers play as the Clardy family arrives.
State troopers begin filing toward the church.
State troopers begin filing toward the church.
An American flag with a blue ribbon hangs on a pole next to St. Michael’s Church.
An American flag with a blue ribbon hangs on a pole next to St. Michael’s Church.
Colleagues of State Trooper Thomas L. Clardy from the Charlton barracks serve as pallbearers.
Colleagues of State Trooper Thomas L. Clardy from the Charlton barracks serve as pallbearers.
A state trooper color guard unit stands at attention as the casket passes.
A state trooper color guard unit stands at attention as the casket passes.
State troopers from the Charlton barracks carry the flag-draped casket.
State troopers from the Charlton barracks carry the flag-draped casket.
Cora Grunes, 2, watches the procession.
Cora Grunes, 2, watches the procession.
Residents display the American flag as the procession travels on Main Street.
Residents display the American flag as the procession travels on Main Street.
State troopers stand at attention at St. Michael’s Cemetery.
State troopers stand at attention at St. Michael’s Cemetery.
State Trooper Thomas L. Clardy laid to rest in Hudson
Color guard units representing various regions stand at ease at the cemetery.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

No posts to display