Thomas "Tom" R. Cruickshanks

Thomas “Tom” R. Cruickshanks, 84, of East Hartford, peacefully entered into eternal life on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 with his life partner by his side. Born in Hartford, on October 13, 1941, Tom was the son of the late Spencer and Alethea (LaDuke) Cruickshanks and was a lifelong resident of the greater Hartford area. Tom graduated from Simsbury High School, class of 1959 and continued his education by earning his Associate’s degree in Art from the University of Hartford.

Prior to retirement, he was the owner and operator of Master Framers in Bloomfield for 37 years and Pinch Penney Gallery in Essex for 5 years. With a lifelong passion for art, Tom turned his creativity into a successful career. He loved photography and acrylic painting in his free time. In his 20s, Tom was a mechanic and helped run the business at Rocky Hill Transmission. He loved traveling with Jack, especially trips to Australia and Europe. He particularly cherished their annual vacation to Cape Cod in Orleans, MA, and visits to Stonington, CT, where he enjoyed fishing. He was also an avid fan of the UCONN Women’s basketball team.

Tom is survived by his devoted partner of over 50 years, John “Jack” P. Lane Jr. of East Hartford, his two brothers Robert Cruickshanks and his wife Patty of Granby and Donald Cruickshanks and his wife Jeanne of West Suffield, his brother and sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Tom will be held on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s name to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1365 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT 06082. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com