Thomas T. Kochanek, Ph.D
Dateline: Foxboro, MA
Of Foxborough and Naples, FL passed away on Sunday, March 20th at the age of 70. He was born in Springfield, MA into a close family of five in which hard work, simplicity, and perseverance were the prominent values and expectations. While an undergraduate student majoring in mathematics, he enrolled in several elective psychology courses that ignited his interest in the developmental pathways of children. To pursue his curiosity and amplify his knowledge and research skills, he earned a Ph.D degree from the University of Connecticut in Educational Psychology and Childhood Disabilities. Additionally, he was a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Pediatrics and Neuropsychology at New England Medical Center Hospital and Tufts University School of Medicine.
He enjoyed a 40 year career at Rhode Island College as a professor, researcher, and innovator of programs. In 2013, he reluctantly left a professional life that offered him so much satisfaction due to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. He was intensely curious about the process of lifespan development, and devoted substantial energy to understanding those factors and conditions that affect child outcomes. He worked quietly and tirelessly, and was endlessly curious and imaginative. His innovative work resulted in numerous scholarly publications and documents. He also conducted numerous program impact and outcome studies for several child serving state agencies in Massachusetts.
His work was acknowledged by several awards and distinctions. He was a Fulbright Scholar and a Visiting Scholar at the Grzegorzewska Institute for Disabilities in Warsaw, Poland. Additionally, he was the recipient of the University of Connecticut Outstanding Higher Education Professional and the Bucci Award for Teaching Excellence at Rhode Island College. Upon his retirement, he was named as Professor Emeritus at the College. He also appreciated and enjoyed serving as a member of the Patient and Family Advisory Council at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
His love of family was central to his life’s purpose. He was unselfishly dedicated to his family and a compassionate father and grandfather. His children and grandchildren offered him infinite joy, pride, and entertainment. He had a vigorous work ethic and taught his children by example and challenged them to use their abilities to pursue their goals and ideas.
He is survived by his beloved wife Margaret (Girotti) of 48 years, two daughters and five grandchildren. Marla and Brandon Miller reside in Stafford, VA with their three daughters Alyssa, Rachel, and Stephanie. Meredith and Johnpaul Barrieau reside in Franklin, MA with their two sons Luke and Colin. He is also survived by his cherished siblings, a brother and sister in law, Richard and Margaret Kochanek of Tolland, CT and a sister and brother in law Diane and David Scott of Mashpee, MA, along with many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be Tuesday, March 22nd from 4-7pm at Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main St, Mansfield, MA.
A celebratory Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 58 Carpenter St, Foxborough, MA on Wednesday, March 23rd at 10am. Interment will be at Rockhill Cemetery.
Donations in Tom’s memory can be made to The Good Samaritan Ministry at South Boston-Seaport Catholic Collaborative, 307 West Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127 or to Dr. Paul G. Richardson, Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.
To send the Kochanek family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com