Thomas E. Conran Jr.

Tom lived the American dream. Born to parents, Thomas Edward Conran Sr. and Margaret (Marge) Kilcoyne in Brooklyn, New York on September 26, 1940, the family moved to East Hartford when Tom was two. One of the first families in Mayberry Village, Tom attended the Little Red School House, Woodland School, and graduated from EHHS, Class of 1958. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Louise Primeau at Saint Rose Church in 1961, and they made first home in Sunset Hills with their two children Michelle and Tommy.

Devoting his life to his family and to his work, Tom learned the autobody trade at Neil’s Autobody. He ventured out to start his own business, T&J Autobody in a rented building on Nelson Street in East Hartford with his partner John Hamlin in 1967. His success outgrew the initial location, so he built a new, bigger shop 5 years later. Carrying on his legacy, his son Tommy and 2 nephews Mike and Tim Walsh took over T&J and Tom finally retired at age 80.

Spofford Lake, New Hampshire was Tom’s favorite place on earth. Piece by piece he built a cottage and years of memories for family and friends. With endless patience, Tom taught generations how to waterski on Spofford, including his four grandchildren. He always loved skiing with all four behind the Ski Nautique—something he did until he was 80.

Always active, Tom enjoyed golf, skiing and baseball. He loved the New York Yankees—not as much as Louise—but pretty close. Playing little league on the Exchange Team growing up, Tom sponsored the T&J Little League team—a team still going strong today—Tom even coached the East Hartford Allstar Team into the State Championships and playoffs in 1978.

Tom was always up for an adventure. Whether packing the family and two teenage kids into a motorhome to drive cross country or enjoying the rides in Disney World with his grandchildren many years later, Tom was really one of a kind.

Nothing could slow Tom down. When the doctors said Tom might never walk or talk again after a traumatic brain injury in 1983, Tom proved them all wrong and was back on his feet after months in rehab and the hospital.

Tom was known for being a true friend. He built his first home in 1977 with his friend since kindergarten Harold (Harry) James. Best men in each other’s weddings, a tradition their sons Tommy and Butchie James carried on.

Whether singing along to Sweet Caroline or driving around in the Model A or 67’ Ford Fairlane convertible he restored, Tom was a kind and hardworking man that loved life. Nothing could keep Tom from working outside, especially cutting wood with his son.

Tom loved his family and they loved him, taking care of him as he battled dementia. He passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, January 10th and he will be greatly missed. He leaves behind his first and only love and partner, Louise (Primeau) Conran, his daughter Michelle Suzanne (Conran) Macsuga, his son Thomas Edward Conran III and his wife Michele (Parent) Conran, who was like a daughter to him. His grandchildren were his joy, including Shawna Lee Macsuga and fiancé Will Ferrell, Joshua Richard Macsuga, Jenifer Louise Conran and boyfriend Aaron Soucy, and 1st Lt. Sean Thomas Conran US Army National Guard and his girlfriend Rachel Bentivegna. He loved sharing ice cream cones with his adorable great grandson Carter John Ferrell, who loved his “Poppy” and always brought him his T&J hat. He also survived by his sister Joan Walsh of Bolton, his niece Laura Moske of Bolton, nephews and spouses, Mike and Denise Walsh of Tolland and Tim and Ann Walsh of Bolton, and his sister-in-law Elaine Primeau and niece Jackie Primeau of Avon. He also leaves his life-long best friend Harry James and late-wife Mary Ann and good friend Lou DiMauro and late-wife Leila. He was predeceased by his son-in-law John Macsuga, his brothers-in-law John Walsh and Maurice (Moe) Primeau and his nephew Peter Primeau.

Private services will be held to honor Tom’s memory. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom’s name may be made be to The Miracle League of CT, 68 South Main St. Bsmt 100, West Hartford, CT 06107. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.