It is with heavy hearts that the family of Thomas J. Hourihan share that the longtime resident of Needham died unexpectedly, but peacefully, on October 7, 2021, after a brief illness at the age of 87. Tom’s devoted wife of 63 years, and the love of his life, Clare (Lennon) was by his side. Tom dedicated his entire life to his family, and he found much joy centered around his children and grandchildren’s academic and athletic successes over the years; attending many of their sporting events and performances.
Tom is survived by his beloved son Thomas P. Hourihan & his wife Karla Keefe, all his favorite daughters Karen Joy & her husband Tom, Kathy Carter, Janet Brooks & her husband Bill, Lisa Jackson & her husband Tom, and Lynne Kilmartin. Grandfather to Kelly Gregg & her husband Matt, Jennifer, and Matt Joy; Richie, Allison, and Chris Carter; Dan and Ryan Brooks; Annie, Joe, Cecilia, and Pat Jackson; and Cierra Kilmartin. Step-grandfather to Joe & Helen Brooks, and Mike & Megan Brooks. Great-grandfather to Gracie, Charlie, and Isabelle Gregg. Step-great-grandfather to Charlotte, Callie, and Eliza Brooks, and Ben Brooks. Brother of the late Joan (Hourihan) & George Hill. Brother-in-law to Jim Tobin, Stel Lennon, and many other dearly departed family members. Survived by cousins and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.
Tom was born in Brookline, Massachusetts in 1934 to the late Thomas J. and Mary (Fleming) Hourihan. He attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Brookline High School. Tom was a talented multisport athlete, and he graduated from Northeastern University, where he was later inducted into the Northeastern Hall of Fame for his achievements in football. After graduating from NU, Tom joined the Navy and attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. While working in the Navy, Tom coached Norfolk Catholic High School of Virginia to the 1960 state championship. After leaving Norfolk, Tom returned to his roots in New England. He earned his MBA from Boston University and became the first personnel director of the town of Brookline. Tom later formed his own consulting business, TJ Hourihan Associates, and he taught college business classes. His specialty was contract negotiations. Much of Tom’s later professional career was spent working for Norton Company in Worcester. He retired as Norton’s Vice President of Human Resources and continued to be a mentor to many. Tom was extremely proud of the community work Norton did in Worcester. On the international front, Tom helped implement the Sullivan principles of corporate social responsibility at Norton’s manufacturing plant in South Africa and worked toward achieving racial integration in its workforce. Tom was also a strong advocate for women in the corporate and athletic worlds.
As an ardent sports fan, Tom was well known for his memory of obscure athletic trivia. Tom enjoyed large family gatherings and regaling listeners with stories from his youth. Tom had a marvelous sense of humor, and his warmth, wisdom, and wit will be sorely missed. He valued the power of words and keeping one’s word. Tom was an avid reader and a student of history. He took pride in his Irish heritage, his connection to Brookline’s Whiskey Point, and his Catholic faith. Tom was an attentive, engaging father and a fun-loving husband who held our mother, Clare, in high esteem. Tom was highly respected for his integrity, and he frequently encouraged others to “take the high road”. Tom has taken the high road to heaven, and he will be dearly missed.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., Needham on Friday, Oct. 15 from 4-8pm. His funeral will take place from the funeral home on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, 1382 Highland Ave., Needham at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorial contributions be made to the Jimmy Fund.