Canton Mourns Passing Of Former First Selectman

CANTON, CT — Former Canton First Selectman Mary Ball Tomolonius, whose decades of public service helped shape the town through elected office, nonprofit leadership and volunteerism, died June 30.

She was 74.

In a tribute issued Monday, July 6, Republican Canton First Selectman Kevin Witkos said the longtime Democrat's influence on Canton "will be felt for generations."

"It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Mary Ball Tomolonius, a remarkable public servant, community leader, and friend whose influence on the Town of Canton will be felt for generations," Witkos wrote.

Born May 10, 1952, in Greenwich, Tomolonius earned a bachelor's degree in art education from Central Connecticut State University and later completed Yale University's Women's Campaign School.

Throughout her career, she combined creative work with public service, operating Tomolonius Design for 25 years before spending the past 15 years as executive director of the Connecticut Association for Community Transportation (CACT), where she worked to expand transportation access across the state.

Tomolonius served as Canton's first selectman from 2001 to 2007, but her involvement in the community spanned more than three decades through elected office, civic organizations, nonprofit leadership, and volunteer service.

Among her accomplishments, Witkos credited Tomolonius with leading the effort to relocate the Canton Police Department from the basement of Canton Town Hall to its current facility.

He also said she spearheaded Sam Collins Day, helping establish the annual celebration as a popular community tradition during its decade-long run while promoting Canton's history.

Witkos also highlighted her efforts to promote the town's economy and identity.

He said she championed local businesses, encouraged tourism, and helped showcase Canton's antique shops, historic character, and welcoming atmosphere.

Even after leaving the Canton Board of Selectmen, Tomolonius remained deeply involved in town government and civic life.

She served on the Canton Board of Finance beginning in 2009, was an active member of the Canton Democratic Town Committee beginning in 2001, and served as its chair since 2007.

She was also a longtime member of the Canton Chamber of Commerce and chaired the Sam Collins Day Planning Committee for more than 20 years.

"She believed leadership was not defined by a title, but by showing up, listening, and serving others," Witkos said.

According to her obituary, Tomolonius will also be remembered for her warmth, thoughtful advice, humor, and hospitality.

Friends and family described her as a gifted hostess and chef whose dinner parties brought together neighbors, newcomers, and loved ones.

Her gardens reflected the same creativity and care she devoted to public service, and she was known for connecting people and making everyone feel welcome.

Witkos echoed those sentiments, saying she would be remembered for her kindness, wit, and ability to bring people together.

Tomolonius is survived by her husband, Gary Tomolonius; her children, Sarah and David; grandchildren Ava and Luca; former daughter-in-law Tina Li; siblings Tom Ball, Frank Ball, Cath Ball and Liz Ball; and many extended family members and friends.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Hannah Tomolonius, and her parents, Mary McEvoy Ball and Frank Pennington Ball Jr.

"Mary believed that strong communities are built through service, and she lived that belief every day," Witkos wrote. "Her legacy lives on in the town she helped shape, and in the countless lives she touched."

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, at Trinity Church in Collinsville, followed by a celebration of her life at the Tomolonius family home.

Instead of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations to the Hannah Walsh Tomolonius Scholarship through Canton Dollars for Scholars or to a charity or community organization that reflects Tomolonius' lifelong commitment to service. They also encouraged those wishing to honor her memory to volunteer in their own communities.

Concluding his tribute, Witkos encouraged residents to carry forward the values Tomolonius championed throughout her life.

"May we honor her memory by continuing the work she loved so dearly—building a community where service, kindness, civic pride, and neighbors helping neighbors remain at the heart of who we are," he said.