Words can't even describe how amazing Tom was... so caring, warm, loving, crazy about Bev, always so proud of Julie, Kim, Kevin and Brian. And doting on his grandkids. I can't even tell you how sad I am right now to know he's gone.
I was one of Tom's Harborwear daughters. I started at the store when I was 15 in 1994 (when Maggie was still around and her dog bowl was ever present at the store) and I worked there every summer through college. I looked forward to going home every summer, calling Tom before stopping in to see him, always picturing him downstairs in the basement listening to 8-tracks of Frank Sinatra and taking care of the books.
The memories are so many... how lucky did I get to spend seven whole summers with this character eating our Butch's salads, splitting a soup and sandwich from The Pavilion and running around the store during sidewalk sales like chickens (those were our most proud days, especially when it was cold out... who do you think sold out of sweatshirts and racked in the dough... we did!). I also remember and cherish the 'fatherly advice' throughout the years, I mean heck Tom did run through every high school and college boyfriend with me, was there during my Saturday morning after Friday night party spells, and may have showed me a thing or two about how to be a career-driven individual.
I can't thank you enough, Tom, for being such a critical piece of my world. I can only hope to have half the huge heart that you did. Strong Navy man on the outside but big teddy bear on the inside. You will be crazy missed by many, my friend. xoxoxo
