Thomas G. A. Courtney, 84, of Haverhill, died peacefully Friday, May 5, at home.
He was born in Lawrence, June 13, 1932, son of the late Thomas Patrick and Mary Agnes (O’Leary) Courtney. He was an US Air Force Veteran having served in the Korean War and World War II. A 1950 graduate of Central Catholic High School, he attended Merrimack College, earned his Associate Degree at Lowell Technology Institute and his bachelor’s at Northeastern University. Civic minded, he worked local political campaigns and trained altar boys at St. George’s Church.
Courtney, a retired mailman from the U.S. Post Office, previously having worked other professions throughout his life, including teaching at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, he was a member of the Haverhill Lodge of Elks #165, and the Haverhill AMVETS Post 147. An avid horseshoe player, he hosted the weekly league games at his residence. He won second place divisional championship at the World Horseshoe tournament in Statesville, N.C.
His survivors include his wife of 62 years, Barbara I. (White) Courtney of Haverhill and their children, Mary P. and her husband Humphrey Desmond of Billerica, Thomas G. Courtney Jr. and his wife Marie of Haverhill, Mark W. Courtney of Haverhill, Brian T. Courtney of Lawrence, James M. Courtney of New Bedford, and Pamela J. Courtney of Haverhill; sister, Jacqueline Stanley of Methuen; brother in law, Raymond White and his wife Gail of Bradford; 11 grandchildren, Daniel and his wife Everlidis, Stephen and his wife Lisa, Leah, Sarah, Steven, Tiffany, Jamie, Chad, Andrew, Tyler and Quinn; 14 great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Mr. Courtney was the brother of the late Bernard Courtney.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours Tuesday, May 9, from 5 to 8 p.m., at H.L. Farmer and Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. His funeral is Wednesday morning, May 10, beginning at 9 a.m., at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., in All Saints Church, Haverhill. Burial with Air Force Honors is in Maplewood Cemetery, Plaistow, N.H. Contributions in his memory may be made to Central Catholic High School, 300 Hampshire St., Lawrence, MA 01841.
tommy was the best. big heart. RIP