It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas Charles Carrigan, Jr., announce his death on May 17, 2023 at the age of 79 from pancreatic cancer. He died in peace with his loving wife, Carolyn by his side at his home in Bryant Pond Maine. He was also lovingly cared for by his niece Tobe over the last several months. His Keeshond, Missy was also there to keep him company.
Tommy was born in Boston, Mass on August 13, 1943 the third child of Tom and Mary (Sullivan) Carrigan. He was raised in Needham, Mass along with his sisters Irene (Allison), Patty (Hanbury), Kathy (Keleher) and Jeanne (Babel). He spent the best days of his youth every summer at the family cottage in Brant Rock, Mass.
After graduating from Needham High School and East Coast Aerotech, Tommy joined the US Army and served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Upon his return he was stationed in Virginia where he met his soulmate for life, Carolyn Braxton. They have been married for nearly 54 years – They were seldom apart. He went on to graduate from Boston University with a Bachelors and a Masters in Education. He and Carolyn then moved to Bryant Pond, Maine and taught for many years in Auburn Schools.
Tommy had a passion for the beauty of the natural world – the colorful flowers in his yard that he planted, the many animals in the woods and birds gathered at his bird feeders as well as the majestic Maine mountain views, and the amazing starry nights. He also loved nice cars, motorcycles and a cold beer. Tommy lived life to the fullest – whether driving cross country with Carolyn, driving to Ocean Isle NC every summer for the Harrell family reunions and to Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard for the annual Carrigan gatherings as well as driving through many snowstorms to attend many Christmas celebrations. He was a very private man but a generous man opening his home for the gathering of many family & friends at his home on the hill. He was a tough man – well balanced by his gentleness and love of family & friends and his ever present kindness.
Tommy was a private man but he was very generous, loyal and giving. He was a man of few words but every word mattered. Tommy lived life to the fullest – hard work, developing his land, riding his motorcycles and cars, living a life without regrets. His kindness will live on in all who knew him.
Tommy was preceded in death by his mother and father – Mary and Tom Carrigan, his younger sister Jeanne Carrigan Babel and his much loved mother-in-law Dessie Braxton. He is survived by his sisters Irene (Allison), Patty (Hanbury) Kathy (Keleher), sister-in-law Lelia Proctor, brothers-in-law Joe, Brendan and Vic and nieces and nephews Tobe, Zoe, Carl, Catherine, John, Kathleen, Eamon, Niall, Julia and Darius along with many grand nieces and nephews, cousins and life long friends. Tommy had much love for the Brant Rock Gang, for his Needham buddies and for all of his friends in Bryant Pond.
At Tommy’s request, there will be no formal Memorial service. He would, however, like to be remembered by random acts of kindness and goodwill.
Many thanks go to the expert help of the VA Maine Healthcare in Togus; the Maine Cancer Center in Topsham, Maine, the Stevens Memorial Hospital and the Androscoggin Hospice RNs and CNAs who brought expert care and guidance to the family in the last few weeks.
Those who wish to remember Tommy in a special way may make gifts in his name to: Doctors Without Borders, Donor Services, 40 Rector St 16th floor, NY, NY 10006 or to Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills, Shelter and Adoption Center, PO Box 82, Norway, Maine 04268
Arrangements by Cliff Gray Cremation & Funeral Services, 60 Andrews Road, Bryant Pond, Maine