Thomas Francis Carolan

Tom was born in England to Margaret and Thomas Carolan who then immigrated to Bridgeport, Connecticut. He became a citizen at age 8. He was the oldest of six siblings in a boisterous and devoted Irish Catholic family.

Tom attended Notre Dame High School and then served four years in the US Navy, returning to complete his Bachelor’s degree. He then completed a Master’s at Connecticut College and a Ph.D.in psychology at the University of Connecticut.

Tom had a notable career as a human factors’ psychologist designing training and simulations for universities, including UCF and Virginia Tech, medical teams, the Department of Energy, the US Navy and the US Air Force. In 1995, he began working remotely so that his wife Marsha could join the faculty of Michigan State University.

Tom was an avid runner who loved the outdoors and to travel and explore new places. He ran many marathons including the New York Marathon, the Chicago Marathon, the Marine Marathon and the San Diego Rock and Roll marathon.

He and his wife of 50 plus years travelled to many domestic and international locations. He also traveled with each of his children who inherited his love of travel and the outdoors. His many travel adventures included Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, South America, Europe, Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland and his parents’ home country of Ireland.

He was a voracious reader, and enjoyed reading across many fields, particularly in science and psychology. Tom passed on his love of reading to his children and grandchildren.

Tom prioritized his family over all else. He was a beloved and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He modeled grit, perseverance, creativity, patience, generosity, and a great sense of humor, and he encouraged these traits in his children and granddaughters by active engagement in all their pursuits. He will be deeply missed by his wife, his children, Tristan, Aliah and Kelsi, his three cherished granddaughters and his two sons-in-laws. He was preceded in death by his only sister Geraldine and his beloved nephew Eamon and is survived by four brothers, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sierra Club, Michigan Chapter where Tom was a long-time member. A memorial and celebration of Tom’s life will take place on September 20th, Saturday at 1:00 at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation in New London, Connecticut.