Thomas A. Hanifan

Thomas A. Hanifan, 96, of Chicopee, passed away on December 13, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Annascaul, County Kerry, Ireland on September 17, 1928, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Courtney) Hanifan.

Tom came to this country in 1950 at the age of 22 on the S.S. America. Upon arriving in the United States, his first job was at the Springfield Gas and Light Company. He went on to work for Diamond Match and later Union Station in Springfield as a stationary fireman for a combined 35 years. He ended his formal career working in the engineering department at Baystate Medical Center. All the while, he ran his landscaping business for more than sixty years, teaching his three sons the trade.

Tom was a talented man with his hands. Whatever the challenge, he was able to fix it, repair it, or build it. You could always hear Irish music or Irish comedians playing from the cellar while he worked at his workbench on his latest project. Tom was a witty, humorous man who enjoyed his family and fibbing with his grandchildren. He took tremendous pride in his lawn, enjoying compliments from neighbors and strangers alike. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching all the New England professional sport teams.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Kathleen E. (Kavanaugh) Hanifan, four children, Thomas Hanifan and his wife Donna of East Longmeadow, Mary Bonavita and her husband John of East Longmeadow, James Hanifan and his wife Renee of West Springfield, and Michael Hanifan and his wife Sophie of Southwick, one sister, Nora Tuite of London, England, as well as eight grandchildren. He was the brother of the late John, Patrick “Paddy”, Michael, James, Edward “Ned” and Bridie Hanifan.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet his family on Saturday, December 21, from 12pm-1pm at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA with his Funeral Mass to follow at 1pm. The burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his memory to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, 577 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.

To leave Tom’s family an online condolence, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

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