Marlborough – Thomas R. McClay, 78, of Marlborough, died peacefully June 20, 2019 at Marlborough Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Chelsea, he was the son of the late Leslie and Mary (Shanlie) McClay and the husband of Rita (Bouvier) Gardiner. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1961 and was assigned to the Airborne Early Warning Squadron 13.
Prior to his retirement, Tom worked at Setra Systems in Boxborough for over 30 years.
Tom had 32 years of sobriety and was known as Captain Gratitude. He was always willing to extend a helping hand to anyone who needed it, right up until the end of his journey. He enjoyed playing Texas Hold’em and participating in game night with his family.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Lynn-Marie McClay of Berlin and Laurie and her husband Roy Whitten of Marlborough; his step-children, Cindy D’Amico and her husband David of Marlborough, Paula Bonina and her husband Bob of Marlborough, Deborah O’Connor of Florida, David Gardiner and his wife Ami of S. Hadley, and Glenn Gardiner and his wife Laurel of W. Boylston; and his sister, Mary Jones. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Angela McClay; step-grandchildren, Celina D’Amico, David, Abbey, Ben, Alex, Ryan, Shane, Ashley, Joshua, Justin, Nicole, Joey, Jett; and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late George, Dennis, Leslie, and Billy McClay.
Visiting hours will be held Sunday, June 30, from 2-4 p.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home Inc., 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough, followed by a memorial observance at 4 p.m. at the funeral home.
Donations may be made to ARC-Marlborough, 33 Main St., Marlborough, MA 01752 (www.theaddictionreferralcenter.com).
