MAGNOLIA: Thomas J. Linquata, 86, passed away early Wednesday morning, February 5, 2014, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Josephine “Fini” (Parisi) Linquata.
Born in Gloucester on August 30, 1927, he was the son of the late Luigi and Mamie (Scola) Linquata. He was a lifelong resident of Gloucester and attended Gloucester Schools.
A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he enlisted in March of 1945, having served aboard the USS Honston and was honorably discharged in July of 1946.
As a commercial fisherman, he was an engineer and cook aboard numerous vessels including the F/V Natalie III, St. Nicholas, Sacred Heart, and The Gloucester Man.
After retiring from the fishing industry, he enjoyed working odd jobs such as delivering auto parts, pumping gas at Linsky’s and delivering prescriptions for the former Connor’s Pharmacy.
Tom enjoyed spending time at the Rose Baker Senior Center playing bingo, as well as playing cards at the St. Peter's Club and the Legion, playing the lottery and going to Seabrook.
He also enjoyed having coffee with his goombadis at McDonald's on numerous mornings. He loved going for a hot cup of coffee at Donut Jim’s or sitting on the boulevard. The Cupboard and Maria’s Pizza, or going to Charlie’s for cheeks, were a few of his favorite eateries with “Fini.”
He was a member of the Capt. Lester S. Wass Post #3, American Legion, St. Peter’s Club, Vittori Rocci Post #56 in Beverly, and a former member of the Gloucester Lodge of Elks No 892.
His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he and Josephine traveled far and wide to proudly watch them play soccer and baseball. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather his smile and wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his wife of 65 years, he is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Geri and Peter Verga, Maria and Chris Davis; six grandchildren, Christine, wife of Brian Macchi, T.J. Brown, companion of Dawn Catalini, John Davis, companion of Meghan Balestraci, Brett Davis, Alex Davis, and Ali Verga; two great-grandchildren, Drew and Jordan Macchi; two sisters, Nina, wife of Paul Conti and Catherine "Katie" Mitchell, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his son, Lewis J. Linquata; two sisters, Gingi and her husband John Imbrunone, Selina and her husband Frank Consiglio; four brothers, Joseph and his wife Rose Linquata, Sammy and his wife Mary Linquata, Leo and his wife Pauline Linquata, Michael and his wife Frances Linquata; and his brother-in-law, Joe Mitchell. He was also predeceased by sisters-in- law, Pearl Salafia, Grace Parisi, Mary Vadala, Helen Loiacano, Rose Parisi, and Jenny Strescino and their husbands.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday morning in the Holy Family Parish, St. Ann Church at 11 a.m. There are no visiting hours. Interment will be held in the Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA 01923 or www.CareDimensions.org.