Thomas Ahern

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Thomas Ahern, 95, passed peacefully at his home in New Fairfield, CT surrounded by his loving family on  December 21, 2023.  

Mere seconds after he passed, Tom was whisked through the pearly gates and was greeted by God. God looked at Tom and asked “what took you so long? I had called you to heaven many years ago.” Tom responded humbly, “I have looked forward to meeting you my entire life but I had more love to give to my wife, children and grandchildren. And I had so many things that needed to be fixed. By the way, while passing through your gates, I noticed they were a little rusted and creaking. I’ll get right on that and have them looking brand new in no time!”

Tom was predeceased by his siblings, Bridie Griffin, Corney Ahern, and Francie Whelan. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 62 years, Kathleen (Casey), and children Michael (Grace), Maureen (Mike Santini), Kathleen (Rich Dunne), Thomas (Tara), Kevin (Alina), Kerri Ann (Paul McMorrow), sister Maureen Doocey, 20 grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Tom was born on a farm in Dungourney, Co Cork Ireland and remained a proud Corkman throughout his life. He realized farming was not for him when faced with the prospect of topping four acres of beet in the driving rain with no modern farming equipment.  In 1955, he sailed to the United States on the USS America and ended up firmly embedded in New York’s Irish community.  He worked in the city as a bus driver, moving up the ranks and retired as a supervisor in 1991 after 36 years. 

Tom was devoted to his family and friends, never turning down an opportunity to travel with his tool bucket to tackle all manner of projects from unclogging a toilet to replacing a leaking roof.  He was a self-taught electrician, plumber, carpenter, mechanic and general handyman. If you needed to abandon an old clunker of a car, he could help with that too!  He never accepted payment for his work, but a slice or two of soda bread and a cup of tea were always greatly appreciated. Tom was always willing to entertain at any gathering with a song... that man could carry a tune!

Tom and Kathleen started dating and dancing in 1958, married in 1961 and raised their six children in the Bronx and Yonkers before finally moving to New Fairfield in 2018.  They enjoyed regular get-togethers with their close-knit group of friends.  This friend group raised their children together and their friendships passed down to the next generation. 

Tom and Kathleen were known as incredibly generous hosts, inviting friends, family and even complete strangers to stay with them. His retirement years were not spent idly as he volunteered for many organizations, dedicating his spare time to the service of others.  Tom returned to Ireland frequently and maintained a strong connection to his homeland throughout his entire life.

A long life, well and truly lived.  This modest, humble, funny and energetic man will be missed by many but especially his family who will endeavor to carry on his legacy.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to RVNA Health, the local hospice organization that cared for Tom since June. They were truly angels on earth.  

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A visitation for Thomas will be held Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810. A funeral mass will take place Friday, December 29, 2023 from 11:00 AM at St. Edward the Confessor Roman Catholic Church, 21 Brush Hill Rd, New Fairfield, CT 06812. A burial will occur at Mountain View Cemetery, CT-37, New Fairfield, CT 06812.