Thomas O. Proulx

Humanitarian and Family Man

MIDDLEBURY – Mr. Thomas O. Proulx, 83, passed away peacefully at his home Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, surrounded by his loving family after a nine-month battle with prostate cancer. He was the loving husband of Bridget M. (McHugh) Proulx.

Tom was born in Middlebury Feb. 25, 1931, son of the late Omer J. and Agnes (Murray) Proulx. He was a graduate of St. Margaret’s Grammar School, Sacred Heart High School and Duquesne University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business.

Tom began his career at Armstrong Rubber of West Haven and later mved to Perrelli Tire in New Haven as senior purchasing agent for a total of 33 years, retiring in 1990. In addition to his professional career, Tom dedicated much of his life to public service. He was an active member of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years and served as Democratic selectman for the Town of Middlebury for 24 years.

Giving back was important to Tom, as evidenced by his dedication to several local organizations. Tom was a volunteer for the Malta House of Care-Waterbury, a healthcare van providing free primary healthcare to the uninsured population of Greater Waterbury. He was very dedicated to this organization from its origination and took great pride in driving and helping his fellow man.

In addition, Tom not only served on the board of directors for St. Vincent DePaul Society, but also served dinner at their homeless shelter every Thursday night for over 20 years. Furthermore, Tom was an active third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus Father Loftus Council in Middlebury and organized the Red Cross bloodmobile for several years at the Middlebury Fire House. Tom was proud to be a trustee of St. John of the Cross Church, where he was a lifetime parishioner and also served for 40 years as head usher. Tom and his wife Bridget were proud recipients of the St. Joseph Medal from the Bishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford. He enjoyed traveling, and he was happy to live a life dedicated to the service of others.

Besides his loving wife Bridget of 55 years, Tom leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Dr. Anne Marie Proulx and her husband, Dr. Scott Baird, and their children, Meredith and Daniel Baird of Dayton, Ohio; his two sons, Michael O. Proulx and his wife, Dr. Sallie Carrington, and their children, Rebecca and Marissa Proulx, and David T. Proulx and his wife, Sarah, and their children Aidan, Owen, and Ciara Proulx, all of Middlebury; and several nieces and nephews. He was the last of four siblings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014 at 11 a.m. at St. John of the Cross Church in Middlebury. Friends and relatives are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial with military honors will follow at Lake Elise Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home at 430 Chase Parkway in Waterbury.

Memorial contributions can be made in Tom’s memory to:

St. Vincent DePaul Society
P.O. Box 1612
Waterbury, CT 06721

Malta House of Care-Waterbury
P.O. Box 247
Middlebury, CT 06762

For more info or to send e-condolences visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.