Thomas William Real

Thomas William Real passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Born on October 18, 1946, in Troy, New York, to Mary and James Real, Tom was raised in Westfield, Massachusetts, alongside his siblings. There, he attended both elementary and high school, excelling as a two-sport athlete in baseball and football, and proudly played on several championship teams.

Tom continued his education at Southern Connecticut State University, where he met his beloved wife of 46 years, Elaine. He often joked that it was "46 for him, and 46 for Elaine!" He later earned a Master’s degree in City Planning from Antioch University.

Tom and Elaine were married on August 27, 1977, in Westfield. Their greatest joy came with the birth of their son, Jamison (Jamie). The family made their home in Westfield before moving to Duxbury, Massachusetts, where they spent 24 wonderful years with their loyal dog and constant companion, Paul. Tom and Paul were a familiar pair at Westfield City Hall, where they could often be found “working” together.

Tom’s career in corporate real estate took him to Boston, where he worked for CB Richard Ellis, and later to Birmingham, Alabama, where he successfully led a DeNovo project. A passionate advocate for conservation and the arts, he served on several local boards in Massachusetts, always championing local artists and environmental causes. Tom found joy in the outdoors—fishing, camping, canoeing, and hiking were among his favorite pastimes.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and James Real, and his sister, Ellen (Real) Campbell. He is survived by his devoted wife, Elaine (Gyorek) Real, and their son, Jamison (Jamie) Real, Esq. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Kay Lacross, his brother, James Real, and a loving extended family in Upstate New York and Vermont.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to The Sierra Club or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, supporting research and care for Vascular Dementia.