Thomas Tannian, 78, Butcher Boy Market

Thomas Tannian, 78, of Haverhill, formerly of Raymond, N.H., passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill.

Born in Haverhill, he was the son of Thomas J. Tannian and Mary Lucille Thompson. He attended the St. James School system in Haverhill and then enlisted in the Marine Corps. in 1954 where he received his GED and rose to the rank of corporal while working in the Intelligence Corps. Tom was very proud of serving his country and had many stories he shared with friends and family about his time in the military.

Soon after being honorably discharged from the Marines, Tom met the love of his life Esther Comeau and they were soon married and started a family in Haverhill. Tom worked for Butcher Boy Market for almost his entire working career and just retired in May because of health reasons. Tom was valued for his expertise and knowledge of meat cutting. Employees and customers knew Tom well and enjoyed his warmth, generous spirit and humor.

When asked what Tom’s hobbies were he would inevitably talk about his family. He cared deeply about each and every member and developed a unique and close relationship with all of his children, grand children and great grandchild. Tom had a deep interest in each of his family member’s lives and was always available to support them in non-judgmental ways.

Tom and Esther loved to go to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Foxwoods and were extraordinarily lucky winning several jackpots.

What his family will miss most is Tom’s positive outlook on life. Tom could always find the silver lining in even the darkest clouds and his optimism was uplifting and infectious. This attribute is something his family strives to model in their lives.

His beloved wife Esther of 54 years and son Michael predeceases Tom. Tom leaves, two daughters, Linda J. Priebe and her husband, Edward, of Raymond, N.H., and Audrey M. McGlew and her husband, Allen, of Groveland; a son Thomas J. Tannian III, of NH, six cherished grandchildren, Alicia and Lyndze Priebe, Chad and Jonathan Tannian, and Kayla and Julia McGlew, his great grand child Brooklynn Tannian, and his sister, Mary Elizabeth Perreault, of Haverhill,.

The family is grateful for the years of compassionate care that Dr. Chahraban, and Dr. Youssef have provided and the recent care from Dr. Mehta, Dr. Flynn, Dr. Shah and Dr. Vasanth.

Friends and family are respectfully invited to call on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. Haverhill. Funeral services will begin on Monday morning at 10 from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 in St. James Church, Winter St. Haverhill. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Primrose St. Haverhill. Memorial donations may be made in his name to American Heart Association, Cancer Associations or MSPCA.