Thomas Henry Upham Sr.

Thomas Henry Upham Sr, died at home on September 21, 2021, surrounded by love. He had a great life.

Tom was born on June 5, 1940, to George Upham and Mary (Molly) Riley Upham in Manchester, NH. He was the youngest sibling surviving his brother George William (Bill) Upham and sister Judith Azotea. He was a graduate of Central High School Class of 1958 and a gymnast for the school team. Tom went on to the Navy, receiving an honorable discharge as EM1; Electronics Mate First Class.

Tom is survived by the love of his life, Grace (Tomczyk) Upham and their daughter Cheri Upham and her partner Collette Paro. From his first marriage to Mary (Luicha) DeSchuiteneer he is survived by Kelly Upham Torosian and her partner Kevin Gurley, Thomas Henry Upham Jr., Scott William Upham and his wife Judith Upham. He was blessed with 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Tom worked for Hitchner Corp and retired from Nashua Corp and was a retired member of IBEW 490. Tom proudly helped to defend workers rights in NH.

Outside of Tom’s work life, he loved camping, sailing, and riding his motorcycle. Family meant the world to him and his motto of “Once a Friend, Always a Friend” were words he lived by. Tom was the Commodore of Massabesic Yacht Club from 2009-2012, the longest tenured to date. He and Grace are lifetime members. He was also a member of the Portsmouth Naval Yacht Club. Tom and Grace are also lifetime members of the Upham Family Society.

Tom had a very humble way about him and often marveled as the people he was able to meet and connect with in his life’s journey. He was always caring and considerate in his dealings with others and generous and selfless. Tom truly believed; Once a friend, always a friend and he will be deeply missed by so many. Just before his death, Tom delivered Leatherman Knife sets to his children and spouses, grandchildren and spouses and nieces and nephews. Tom was like the Leatherman, the tool in your pocket, the go to thing you can count on, and his gift was intentional, a way that he wanted to be remembered.

Services will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 12:00 PM at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cause close to your heart as Tom would have wanted and live your life with intention.