Thomas Blaisdell, formerly of Norwich, was born June 21, 1959 in Norwich and passed away November 6 following a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Beloved son of Mary and the late Gideon Blaisdell, he was also cherished by his siblings Dave, Anne, Jeanne and Beth; his brother-in-law Tom; his niece Katie; nephews Bill, Gordy, Tommy and Will; and his Uncle Leo.
Tom attended the Lexington School for the Deaf in New York City for grade school. He was a graduate of John Hersey High School in Mt. Prospect, IL and Harper College in Palatine, IL. He worked for the FAA in Aurora, IL in technical support.
Tom, who liked to be called "Blaze," was very gregarious and outgoing with both people who were hearing and deaf. Blaze was very comfortable with his deafness and a strong defender of the deaf culture. An avid fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, he loved ice hockey, both as a player and a spectator. A 6’5” handsome guy, he could light up the room with is big smile and shining brown eyes. Tom will be sorely missed by his mother, siblings, extended family, and friends.
A funeral mass will be held Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 10:15am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Glenview, IL. Interment will be Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree, Mass. on Friday, November 22, 2013 at 2:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 525 W. Monroe, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60661. Funeral information 847-998-1020 and please sign online guestbook at www.nhscotthanekamp.com.