Thomas Alfred Nerbonne

Thomas A Nerbonne, lovingly known as “Uncle Tom,” passed away on December 13, 2024. Born on May 26, 1953, at Concord Hospital, Tom was the cherished son of the late Priscilla (Edwards) Nerbonne and John A Nerbonne. As well as Richard Smith, his mother’s devoted partner of 30 years after John's passing. He is survived by his brother Robert Nerbonne, nephew John T Nerbonne, nieces Lindsey and Katelyn Nerbonne (Kate Bergstrom), and grandniece and nephews Margot, Beckett, and Graham Nerbonne.

Tom’s life revolved around family, music, teaching, and sharing joy with everyone he met. A Concord native and a graduate of Concord High School’s Class of 1971, Tom’s passion for music shaped his life. He earned his degree in music from the University of New Hampshire in 1978, where he spent a transformative year studying in Austria at the Vienna International Music Center and Conservatory. Though he was just one course shy of earning his doctorate, he chose to not complete his studies to dedicate his career to teaching music in high school, where he felt he could make the biggest difference.

Over four decades, Tom inspired thousands of students through his teaching. He began his career at Hopkinton High School in New Hampshire, where he conducted the choir that broke the Guinness Book of World Records for consecutive hours singing at 27 hours. Following Hopkinton, he spent 22 years at Wachusett Regional High School in Massachusetts, serving as choral director, music theory teacher, and music director. During his time at Wachusett, Tom helped earn his choir the coveted GRAMMY Museum Signature School Award. Outside the classroom, Tom brought music to life as a choral director for the Messiahs in both Concord, NH and Holden, MA. He was also an organist and choir director for churches across Connecticut and New Hampshire, including Wethersfield Church, Church of the Good Shepherd, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Tom’s talent and passion took him to incredible places. In 1975, he conducted the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall. From 1978 to 1984, he directed the “Youth of America” Band and Choir, leading tours across Europe with performances at iconic venues like Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna; he also performed organ recitals at these same historic locations. Additionally, Tom led his students at Wachusett High School in singing the national anthem at Fenway Park and performing at Kenny Rogers’ Christmas concerts with stars like Linda Evans, Dolly Parton, and Smokey Robinson. One of his proudest moments came when he organized a special trip, busing his students to New Hampshire to sing “Happy Birthday” to his mother—a testament to his creativity, thoughtfulness, and love for his family.

After Tom retired from teaching, he moved back to New Hampshire and reconnected with the Hopkinton Community. He volunteered with the Dial-A-Ride program and was very active at the Senior Center, always finding ways to lend a hand and spend time with friends. He and his brother Bob shared many memorable adventures together, including rooting for the Red Sox at Fenway Park, getaways throughout New England, a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame, and recently traveled throughout Europe to retrace Tom’s musical roots starting in Vienna. Tom also loved traveling with his mother to explore new locations throughout the US, including a cross-country road trip.

Tom will be remembered for his incredible talent, warm sense of humor, and the way he made every person he met feel special. Whether he was playing the piano, cracking a joke, or sharing stories, Tom brought joy to the world around him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and music that will resonate for generations.

Calling hours will be held at Bennett’s Funeral Home 209 North Main St. Concord, NH on January 3rd, 2025, from 10 am to 11:30 am, followed by the funeral service at Saint Paul’s Church 21 Centre St. Concord, NH at 12:00 pm. A burial will immediately follow at Blossom Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hopkinton Dial-A-Ride (PO Box 83, Hopkinton, NH 03229), where Tom served on the Board and volunteered for many years, or Wachusett Regional High School Music Department (1401 Main Street Holden, Massachusetts, 01520).

We’ll miss you, “Uncle Tom”—thank you for sharing your music and your heart with all of us.