Thomas Nesbitt

Tom contracted CTCL, a rare blood born skin cancer early in 2024. An immense debt of gratitude must be expressed for the compassionate care provided to Tom by the entire staff of Dionne Commons in Brunswick where he had been a resident since 2022. Their emotional and physical support can only be described as outstanding. Tom was treated equally compassionately and knowledgeably by Andrew Rogers, Olivia Desena and Heidi Morse, RN and staff at Maine Health’s Oncology Department in Portland. They were assisted in consultation and research from Dana Farber's Cancer Center in Boston. In the final weeks Tom received unbelievable care and wound bandaging by the nursing staff in the Oncology Unit of Maine Medical Center under the direction of Dr. Clifford Rubin.

Tom’s early life provided for his strength in is later life. He was, in his own words, “…diagnosed with learning disability and speech impairment." "They also diagnosed me as mentally deficient.” “While in school kids made fun of me because of my speech…”

With the help of Barry Smith, Speech Therapist, he learned to speak “clearly and properly”. Tom went on to graduate from Leavitt Area High School and obtained an Associates Degree from Unity College in Unity, Maine before he become a valued employee to many.

The Landmark School, Prides Crossing/Beverly, MA, forever empowered Tom.

Tom enjoyed many evenings of Contra Dancing in Central Maine as well his participation in Toastmasters Lewiston and being recognized as “Spectator of the Year” by Bowdoin College’s Hockey Team in the 1990s.

Tom was an avid traveler and geography savant. His last major trip was a River Boat jaunt on the Mississippi, Minneapolis/St. Paul to New Orleans with a stop in St. Louis and time at The Gateway Arch. He was often accompanied by his adventurous and inquisitive cousin Claudia Steele of Pittsburgh. They shared an equal interest in hiking, visiting National Parks and Lighthouses. Their geneology interests took them to many cemeteries in search of family burial plots.

But one caveat, when riding with or driving Tom, never dictate the road to be traveled-he knew them all!

Tom was insightful when it came to current events as well. His first vote came in 1976 when he turned 21. A tremendous admirer of President Jimmy Carter, for whom he had cast that first vote, the reporting of our former President’s life led to a wonderful laugh. It came during a recounting of the time a reporter had asked the former President and Baptist Minister whether God truly answered questions. Carter paused a moment and then responded “Yes”.

Another pause followed after which the President stated;

“Sometimes God’s answer will be Yes!

But then he added, Sometimes God’s answer will be No!

The President then paused again and said,

And sometimes God’s answer will be “You Gotta Be Kidding”!

Tom’s smile lasted a full minute or more.

Tom was predeceased by his Mother, Phyllis Ruth Steele Nesbitt, 1986, and Father James Olver Nesbitt III, 2021, of Brunswick and Greene Maine with original roots in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Also by his Brothers Richard Steele (Dick) Nesbitt, 1975, SV Aware and Alexander (Sandy) Nesbitt, 2022 of Brunswick.

Tom is survived by his Brother James Nesbitt and his partner Lisa Ann Nascimbeni of Presque Isle and Frederiksted, USVI, Robert Stanley Nesbitt and his wife Barbara Jean Chasse Nesbitt of Wiscasset, Sister-in-law Sarah Leilani Goggin Nesbitt of Brunswick. Also, Nieces Christine Louise Marchette of Norfolk, MA and Maragret Ryan Doby of State College, PA and Nephews Christopher Richard Nesbitt, of Haley, ID, Peter Byron Nesbitt, of West Chester, PA, Mathew Robert Nesbitt, of Encinitas, CA, and Jonathan Ryan Nesbitt, of Freeport, ME.

Tom was a congregant of First Parish Church in Brunswick, Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Lewiston (now Pathway Vineyard) and Pathways Vineyard in Brunswick.

Tom’s Service will be held at:

Pathway Vineyard Church

2 Columbus Drive

Brunswick, ME. 04011

11:00AM on Saturday 25 January with visiting and finger food following the service.

Interment will be at Greene Cemetery in the summer.

All friends and family are invited.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin & Pinette Group Funeral Home | 217 Turner Street Auburn, ME 04210 | (207) 783-8545