Obituary: Thomas Augustus Cost, 77, of Guilford

Obituary courtesy of Guilford Funeral Home:

Thomas Augustus Cost, November 3rd 1943 – October 26th 2021.

Known to most as Tom or Tom Sr., Tom passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside at Connecticut Hospice after a brief, courageous battle with cancer. Tom was born in Hartford, CT. to the late Reverend Henry and Betty Cost. He leaves his wife of 55 years Jacquelyn, son Tom and his wife Shannon, son Adam and his wife Michelle, grandchildren Ethan, Austin, Mia, Garet, and Ellie. He also is survived by his sisters Jen and Kim, and his brother Henry Jr.

Tom grew up in East Hampton, CT. and Bangor, ME. before settling in Guilford, CT. where his father was pastor at the North Guilford Congregational Church and where he met Jackie.

Tom served in the Army from 1961-1964. Tom was passionate about politics. Civically, in his younger days, Tom was a member of the North Guilford Fire Department, and was Captain of the Rescue Squad Company #5. Tom also was a member of the Guilford Inland Wetlands Commission for several terms. Most recently, Tom had been treasurer of the Dudley Foundation and president of the North Guilford Cemetery Association.

With a long career in financial services, Tom also became an entrepreneur when he convinced Jackie that they should become small business owners, purchasing a little hardware store in Killingworth, CT. back in 1983.

Tom enjoyed family vacations, road trips with Jackie, and the seasonal runs with his brother-in-law Buster to pick up Maple Syruping supplies. He also offered his services as a personal driver, ferrying grandchildren to school, with the occasional driving class that generally included a stop at Dunkin' Donuts. All the while, he was focused on all things going on with his sons, their families, and that now much bigger hardware store. Tom also left time to root with Jackie for UCONN woman’s basketball. He was always available for advice, a briefing of what was going on, and offering his positive attitude and infectious laugh.

A celebration of life service will be held at the North Guilford Congregational Church on what would have been his 78th birthday, Wednesday November 3rd at 1pm. A reception to share stories and remembrances at the Dudley Farm immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s honor can be made to the Dudley Foundation, 2351 Durham Rd, Guilford, CT 06437; www.dudleyfarm.com and the Closer to Free Fund for Smilow Cancer Center and Yale Cancer Center, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-9979; www.closertofree.com