Thomas C. Stephens, 77, of Londonderry, NH, formerly of “Roux Village” in Tewksbury, passed away as a result of an automobile accident on Sunday, September 15, 2024 in Hudson, NH. He was the widower of the late Coral Mary (Epply) Stephens who preceded him in death this past spring. They shared nearly 56 years of marriage prior to her passing.
He was born on September 27, 1946 in Lowell, MA and was a son of the late Elaine Marie (Roux) Stephens and the late Samuel G. Stephens. He was educated in Tewksbury and graduated from Tewksbury Memorial High School with the Class of 1964. He attended Wentworth Institute of Technology where he was a Dean’s list graduate, obtaining a degree in Mechanical Design Engineering Technology.
He was a hard-worker, and had many memories from his early employment at DeMasino’s Market as a teen to later working as an electrician for Rex Kyser with his late brother-in-law, Andy (Sheehan). He branched out on his own and wired many houses for the DiPalmas, and The Harvey Brothers; later with the help of his sons Peter and Brian.
Tom and Coral started their family shortly after getting married, and eventually relocated from Tewksbury to a home they built in Londonderry, NH. They then returned to “Roux Village” in Tewksbury in 1984. With their children grown, Tom and Coral found themselves returning to Londonderry once more, where they would spend the remainder of their lives together.
Tom loved fishing and in the mid 80’s he and Coral purchased a place at Edge O’Lake Trailer Park on Lake Winnipesaukee. There he spent time on his antique Chris-Craft named “Nirvana” which was the same make/model of the famous boat in “Old Golden Pond”.
Tom had many hobbies, but “one-lunger” and hit n miss engines were his passion. He collected and repaired many of these antique engines over the years and also came to acquire and repair a Hildreth wood splitter, which became his pride and joy. With help of friends, he proudly displayed his collection at the Deerfield Fair and the Eliot Antique Tractor and Engine Show each year.
He was a proud supporter and member of the Tewksbury Redmen Football Club and took the job selling his share of raffle tickets very seriously. He was a member of the East Coast Antique Tractor Club, the Maine Antique Power Association, and spent time helping out at the Raitt Homestead Farm in Eliot, Maine where he became known as “Papa Tom”.
He loved his family and being called “Papa” was one of his favorite things to hear. His curious nature led to him forming numerous connections, as he would stop to chat in many places, such as the docks in York, Wiggins Airways, and friends’ farms and garages. Underneath his hard shell, he was a generous and caring soul.
He is survived by his three children, Peter T. Stephens and his wife, Donna of Windham, Brian E. Stephens of Tewksbury, and Karen M. DeMeo and her husband, Daniel of Londonderry; his grandchildren, Jack, Lacey and Gianna DeMeo all of Londonderry, and Christian Stephens of Tewksbury; his siblings, Allan Stephens and his wife, Marcia of Tewksbury, Donna Sheehan of Chelmsford, Mark Stephens and his wife, Jody of York, ME; his brother-in-law, Timothy Dane and his wife, Janice of Plymouth; his sister-in-law, Charlotte Dane of Londonderry, NH, and many special nephews and nieces. He has many close friends he leaves behind as well, and now joins many friends and loved ones who have gone before him.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local VFW, hospice, or the charity of your choosing.
On Sunday, September 22 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 2-6 p.m. at Tewksbury Funeral Home at 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury 978-851-2061. His funeral will begin on Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by his funeral mass at 11:30 a.m. at St. Williams Church in Tewksbury. Burial will follow at Tewksbury Cemetery. Please find us on Facebook or visit www.TewksburyFuneralHome.comto leave the family a message of condolence at any time.