Thomas F. "Tom" Race

Wilbraham-Dr. Thomas F. Race "Tom" (88) - Born in Philadelphia, PA on July 6, 1936, to John Clayton and Hannah (McFadden) Race. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center. He was raised in Carbondale, PA and graduated from St. Rose High School. Tom was a Gastroenterologist who earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Scranton and Doctorate from Temple University Medical School. He then moved to Portland, Oregon as a Captain in the U.S. Army. Upon completing his U.S. Army obligation he moved to Camillus, NY and started his training in gastroenterology at Syracuse University. Upon completing his training he moved back to his beloved Philadelphia for two years of medical residency. He accepted a position as one of the first gastroenterologists in the city of Springfield, MA. He joined Springfield Medical Associates, where he worked his entire career. He and his loving wife Ellen lived in East Longmeadow before settling in Wilbraham and raising their family. In addition to his passion for medicine and caring for his patients, Tom had an adventurous spirit and profound love for the outdoors. He had a deep love for Vermont nurtured by family time in the mountains, hiking, hunting, skiing, and snowshoeing. Tom had a beautiful second tenor voice and spent many years singing with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Choir. Upon retirement Tom was an Adjunct Professor at Tufts University. Tom loved his family immeasurably. Tom was predeceased by his parents John Clayton and Hannah Race, his sisters Marjorie McDonough, Marion Toolan and Lois Race, and his daughter Ann-Louise Race-Forgette. Tom is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 43 years, Ellen (Merrigan) Race of Wilbraham; his children from previous marriage, Michael and his wife Mary of East Longmeadow, and Susan Race Richard of East Longmeadow, his son-in-law Bob Forgette of Agawam; and Tom and Ellen’s son Brian and his wife Cassandra of Somerville. Tom’s legacy lives on through his six grandchildren; John, Eden and her partner Joshua, Sydney and her partner David, Michaela, Shane and Erin. He was also a beloved great-grandfather to Baylee, Athena and Allison. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews. He deeply cherished his family, friends and community. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. He is remembered for his eternal optimism and warm engaging smile. Family and friends are invited to gather for visiting hours on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA. A Memorial Mass will be on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 10:00 am at Saint Cecilia Church, 42 Main Street, Wilbraham. Burial at Baptist Village Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Tom’s name to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra ( https://www.springfieldsymphony.org/support-us/ ) or the Appalachian Mountain Club ( https://www.outdoors.org/donate/ ).