Korean War Veteran Thomas J. Hamilton Loses Battle With Leukemia

Thomas J. Hamilton, 81, a Pittsfield native and Framingham resident for more than 50 years, died peacefully Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 at the MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham.

He was the beloved husband of Ervina (Pajak) Hamilton, to whom he was married for 56 years.

Born and raised in Pittsfield, he was the son of the late James B. and Helen (Walsh) Hamilton.

A graduate of Pittsfield High School, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1953, and his MBA from Boston College.

Mr. Hamilton served honorably in the US Army stateside during the Korean War. He was first employed by GE in Schenectady, NY, then for Raytheon Corp.

For 28 years until his retirement he worked for Polaroid Corp., most recently as a controller for the international divisions.

A longtime runner, following his retirement he enjoyed working at Marathon Sports in Wellesley. He also volunteered for BayPath Elder Services in Framingham, assisting clients with money management.

His family remembers Tom as a kind and gentle person, known for his quick wit, generosity and thoughtfulness. He was a naturally gifted writer who loved to send humorous poems and letters to special friends and family. He had a wide circle of friends with whom he shared golfing and fishing weekends in New Hampshire and on Cape Cod. Watching Boston Red Sox and Notre Dame football games was a beloved activity, along with carpentry projects, reading and the stock market. He especially treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren. He displayed dignity and exceptional courage as he fought a long battle with leukemia.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Katie Sullivan and husband, Owen, of Southborough, Aileen Zambernardi and husband, Richard, of Cumberland, Maine, and Janet Hamilton of Framingham; 4 grandchildren, Peter and Brendan Sullivan, and Christine and Caroline Zambernardi; a sister, Patricia Gormley of Mullica Hills, NJ; 2 nieces and 2 nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours today, Dec. 13 from 4-8 p.m. at Boyle Brothers Funeral Home, 173 Union Ave.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Dec. 14 at 10 am in St. Matthew’s Church, 105 Southville Rd., Southborough, with burial following in Edgell Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Attn. Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202, or on-line at www.lls.org.