Tom Flanders, 64, of Waterbury, Connecticut died at home unexpectedly on Monday June 22nd after many years contending with diabetes and heart disease.  The son of the late Raymond and Emma (Siegel) Flanders of Methuen, Massachusetts, Tom was born in Boston on September 21, 1950, and adopted by his loving parents at the age of four months.

An accomplished musician, Tom also acted with The Garrett Players after graduating from Methuen High School in 1968.  Tom received a Bachelor of Arts degree from (then) Lowell University in English, and a graduate degree in Comprehensive Healthcare from Harvard University.

Following in the footsteps of his maternal grandmother’s Eastern Cherokee heritage, Tom adopted Native American culture in the 1970’s.  He trained with leading tribal elders during that time, eventually teaching Native American culture and history at Northern Essex Community College.  In the early 1980’s, Tom relocated to work more closely with the Native American community of central Connecticut.  In 2005, Tom was hired by the state of Connecticut as a Native American chaplain in its Department of Corrections.  There, Tom counseled inmates, conducted ceremonial services, and served as a valued resource to his employer regarding Native American spirituality and ceremony.

In the face of those New Englanders who knew better, regrettably, Tom was an ardent fan of Montreal Canadiens hockey.

Tom leaves behind a sister, Joyce Hovnanian and her husband, Jay of Methuen; two nieces, three nephews; an aunt, Edith Gath of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, his godmother; numerous cousins, and a host of friends and colleagues whose lives he touched, professionally and personally.    

A private graveside service is being held to celebrate Tom’s life.  Numerous memorial services will be held at the correctional facilities where Tom worked in Connecticut, and his name is to be engraved upon the Connecticut Department of Corrections Memorial in honor and remembrance of his service. Arrangements are by The Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen.  To send an online condolence, please go to www.dewhirstfuneral.com or www.facebook.com/DewhirstFuneralHome.

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