OXFORD: Thomas K. Hobby, Jr., 76, of Oxford (formerly of Leicester) died Thursday, Feb 17, at St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, surrounded by his loving family.
He leaves his devoted wife Deborah Jean (Viscosi) Hobby, with whom he shared 37 wonderful years together. Those closest to him that he also left behind include his brother and best friend, Mark Hobby and his wife, Denise, of Leicester, and their daughters (Tom's nieces Jess Swistak and her husband Mark, Sarah Hobby and her companion Ed and Amanda Shelby and her husband Rob and their families. Also, his sister-in-law, Patricia Sheehan and her husband, Walter, and their son (Tom's nephew) Ted Skowronski all of Oxford with whom Tom and Debbie lived.
Tom was born in Worcester, the son of Thomas K. and Shirley (Gates) Hobby, Sr. and later graduated from North High School in Worcester. He met the love of his life at Quality Seafoods in Worcester where Debbie was a shipping office clerk and he was a truck driver. He left there and went on to enjoy 23 years of employment at Allmerica/Hanover Insurance Co. in Worcester before retiring in 2006. Tom's passion was creating both vegetable and flower gardens in his yard. He always said it was so relaxing and he would be outside from morning till night. He also loved playing the lottery and scratching his tickets. He was such a caring, loving man. You could never find anyone who didn't love him for his sweet disposition and kind words. Everyone he met was a friend.
At Tom's request there will be no calling hours. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Leicester will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Second Chance Animal Services, P.O. Box 136, E. Brookfield, MA 01515 or Tower Hill Botanic Garden, P.O. 598, Boylston, MA 01505-0598.
The MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester is assisting the family with arrangements.