Deceased January 24, 2021

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In Memory

Bob Peterson ’53 treasures the close friendship he had with Tom, first as classmates at Western Reserve Academy, then as fraternity brothers and roommates at Amherst and beyond. Bob remembers Tom “as the smartest, most eloquent leader, who lit up the room with his endless charm.” Bob credits Tom, as president of Delta Upsilon, for arranging Robert Frost’s visit to the house and, especially, for “saving the chapter from closure [by Amherst] at DU’s National Conference with an emotional speech convincing National to adopt new anti-discrimination language in its charter.”

After Amherst, Bob and Tom remained close up to Tom’s end as they met often at Amherst homecomings and at mini reunions of five Amherst men. They shared regular family get-togethers, including time during a power outage, when Tom’s family moved in with Bob’s. On the phone, “Tom always had great stories to share—or themes about his industry. He was a deep thinker; no matter what the problem, he always had answers. The smartest person I have ever known, Tom was charming, personable and energetic.”

After Amherst, Tom served in the Navy for four years, earned an MBA at Harvard and then had a long career as an executive in a variety of home furnishing companies—among them Ethan Allen—in the Northeast and Toronto, as well as in his own company. He served as a trustee of Southern Vermont College and on the boards of two companies and the Chamber of Commerce.

Tom died on Jan. 24, 2021, in Roswell, Ga., of complications from COVID-19. Predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Barbara, he leaves sons Thomas Jr. (Gail), David and William (Michelle) and daughter Leigh (Robert), as well as six grandchildren. Preceding Tom in death were his siblings William ’50 and Mary.

Bob Peterson ’53 and George Edmonds ’53 with help from Bob’s daughter Zoe Ward