Thomas Joseph Chadbourne

Thomas Joseph Chadbourne, age 74, passed away following a courageous 2 year battle with cancer, on March 1, 2018, surrounded by his family and friends.  He was born on April 14, 1943, in Portland, to the late Walter G. and Margaret E. (Herwood) Chadbourne.

Tom attended Portland High School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army in August of 1961 and served 3 years as a tank mechanic.  Following the Army, Tom worked for McBrady Roofing.  Through the talents of Everett Dyer, he became a skilled sheet metal craftsman, slate and roofing expert.  Tom then ventured out and was founder and partner in several successful roofing companies.  His skilled craftsmanship can be seen all over the city of Portland and beyond, including the highest church steeples in the city.  He then spent two decades working at Fore River Management where he could be seen all throughout the Old Port and Marginal Way working hard but truly enjoying all of the people he would encounter.  After a short retirement, he gladly returned to work at Fore River until he eventually retired to care for his wife.

On January 29, 1966, he married the love of his life, Eileen (Carol) Ricci.  They created a loving home and had one daughter, Lisa Marie.  Tom worked exceptionally hard and devoted his entire life to caring for his wife and daughter and then eventually his grandchildren, Nicola Marie and Eric Thomas.  His grandchildren were the light of his life.

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by: his brothers, Walter G. (Juny) Chadbourne and Peter J. Chadbourne, Sr.; brother-in-law, Maurice Noble; and a sister, Adelaide Nadeau.  He is survived by: his wife of 52 years, Carol; daughter, Lisa M. Napolitano and son-in-law, Thomas; granddaughter, Nicola M. Napolitano; and grandson, Eric T. Napolitano; brothers, Harold and wife Josephine, Clinton and wife Bonnie, Robert and wife Linda, and Ronald and wife April; sister, Lillian Noble; several nieces and nephews that he adored; and honorary brother, Paul Robie, who provided him with unending support and friendship. 

The family would like to thank the “boys” of the McDonalds morning coffee meet ups that Tom so looked forward to each day.  Thanks to the Napolitano family for their support.  Also, a special group of friends, including Barb Page at Betsy Ross, that became a source of comfort and friendship for him.

A very special thank you to Rachel Tarmy and the MMC IR group that treated him like family.  Rachel was very special to Tom and took extra good care of him.  Thanks to Gosnell Memorial Hospice staff and New England Cancer Specialists for taking such good care of all of us.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Willows Family Restaurant and Function Room, 740 Broadway, South Portland from Noon to 3 pm on Saturday, March 10, 2018.  All that knew Tommy and loved him are welcome to attend.  The interment at Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery will be private.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Joseph Chadbourne, please visit our floral store.