Thomas LaCroix, Retired Waltham Police Chief, Dies at 51

The following is from Brasco & Sons Memorial Chapels.

Thomas M. LaCroix, of Maynard, passed away Tuesday morning, Aug. 5, 2014 in his home at the age of 51.

Born on Feb. 6, 1963 in Waltham, beloved son of Helen J. (Waterhouse) LaCroix of Medfield and the late Waltham Police Officer Edward F. LaCroix, Tom was raised in Waltham and lived there most of his life until moving to Maynard in 2003.

A graduate of Waltham High School with the Class of 1981, Tom earned his Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Mass Bay Community College, furthering his education at Western New England College, graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, and eventually receiving his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College in 1992.

Tom began his law enforcement career as a Bentley College Police Officer from 1984-1986. He then was appointed to the Waltham Police Department in 1986 and began his career rising to the highest level of his profession. He was appointed Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and eventually Chief of the Waltham Police Department.

In his spare time, Tom was a sports fanatic and a diehard Boston’s sports fan. He was passionate about the Boston Bruins and the Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed playing softball, coaching his sons little league baseball games, going skiing, mountain bike riding and all types of outdoor activities.

His family and his friends were the central focus of his life. He loved spending time with everyone, especially his sons.

He is survived by his loving wife Andrea Maria Kennedy, his cherished sons Roger Thomas and Raymond Geoffrey LaCroix, both of Waltham, his devoted brothers Robert Edward LaCroix of Millis and Stephen Allen LaCroix of Fort Pierce, Florida, and his former wife and dear friend Barbara Jeanne (Nasco) LaCroix of Waltham. In addition, he is survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.

A funeral service in celebration of Tom’s life was held private for the family in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial followed by the burial at Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that expressions of sympathy may be made in Tom’s memory be made to The LaCroix Children Memorial Fund, c/o Rockland Trust, 75 Moody St., Waltham, MA 02453.