Thomas A. Cloutier Sr.

Thomas A. Cloutier, Sr., 64, of Westbrook, CT, passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2011 at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends after a brief illness. Tom, born on December 10, 1946 in Norwich, CT, was the son of Kathryn and Albert Cloutier. He graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in Montville, CT in 1964 and from Providence College in 1968. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1968 and was stationed at White Sands Missile Base in New Mexico until he was discharged in 1970. Tom enrolled in Boston University School of Law in 1970. Following his graduation from law school, he moved back to Connecticut and became an associate with the law firm O’Connell & Budney located in Old Saybrook, CT. In 1981, Tom was named as a partner and remained at his firm, now Cloutier & Cassella, for 38 years.

Tom was respected in so many ways as an individual. Whether it was as an attorney, a little league coach, a colleague, a boss, a fellow board member, or as a mentor, he was an honorable man who touched many lives. He was an extremely influential member of our community. Tom was a man of integrity who earned respect, friendship, and the admiration of those he knew. While his role in public life was very important, nothing gave him more pride and joy than his role as a husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Cecilia, his daughter Cara Cassella and son-in–law Edward and their three children, Connor, Brendan and Claire, and his son Kevin Cloutier and daughter-in-law Andrea and their son Thomas. He was pre-deceased by his son, Thomas A. Cloutier, Jr. and by his brother Albert Cloutier.

Tom loved practicing law and he was highly regarded not only by his colleagues, but also by the many lives he touched as an attorney. He was always grateful for the expertise and guidance of his early mentors, Walter Budney, Richard O’Connell, and Marshall Feingold, who provided him with the building blocks that were necessary to become a successful lawyer. Tom was active in local, state, and national bar activities during a legal career that spanned over three decades. He served in all executive officer positions in the Middlesex County Bar Association including President in 2002-2003. A member of the Connecticut Bar Association, Tom also served on the CBA House of Delegates. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States. For many years, Tom was active in the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, serving on both the Executive Committee and Board of Governors. He was elected as President of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association in 2001. He was a member and vice chairperson of the Statewide Grievance Committee as well as a member of the Guild of Catholic Lawyers. Nationally, Tom was an active member of the American Association for Justice. He was also appointed by the Governor to serve on the Judicial Selection Committee for a four-year term. He was elected by the Commission as its chair for the last year of his tenure.

Giving back was important to Tom and he devoted much of his time to the community. He served as Vice Chairman of the Westbrook Board of Education for 14 years and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Valley Shore YMCA. He also served on the Board of Directors for his alma mater, St. Bernard’s High School. Tom was also a long-standing member of the Knights of Columbus and served as a member of the Old Saybrook Rotary Club for the past several years. He was also a communicant of St. Mark’s Church in Westbrook for over 40 years.

Nothing, however, was more important than being with his family. Tom loved pursuing the passions of his children and was their biggest supporter. Whether it be baseball, basketball and football for Tommy and Kevin or horse back riding for Cara, he was always there encouraging them to do their best. More recently, one of Tom’s favorite activities was spending time with his beloved grandchildren. The stories and memories about their Papa, who was such a special part of their life, will be cherished in the years to come.

His family and friends will always celebrate Tom’s enthusiasm for life. His many joys, including his family, his friendships, the practice of law, his dedication to Providence College and Friar’s basketball, golf, traveling, the Boston Red Sox, the Patriots, classic cars and music oldies, will always be part of the memories that will be shared. It was his optimism and his love of life that will give all of us the strength to continue to embrace our own lives to the fullest.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 17, 2011 at 1:00pm at St. Mark’s Church, Westbrook, CT. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Westbrook, CT. Calling hours will be on Thursday June 16, from 3pm to 8pm at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT.

Donations may be made in Tom’s memory to the Thomas A. Cloutier, Sr. Charitable Foundation. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com for tributes and condolence.