Colchester, VT
It is with heavy hearts and blessed memories that the family of Thomas J. Hamlin announces
his passing on July 29, 2022 at the age of 60. We remember Tom for his deep love of his family,
his hard-working nature, and his engaging "shop talks."
Tom graduated from Colchester High School in 1980 and married his high school sweetheart,
Debbie (Halnon) in 1984. In their 38 year marriage they created a wonderful family which
included four amazing children and three precious grandchildren. His kids were his pride and
his grandkids were his joy. Their spirited, fun-loving family spread contagious laughter and
made priceless memories at home, while camping at Brighton State Park, and wherever else
they gathered together.
Tom worked as a glazier for a couple of different companies before becoming the owner and
operator of Hamlin Glass for almost 25 years. He began his business working from the
basement of their home in 1997 and, with hard work and satisfied, loyal customers, it expanded
to his favorite place to hang out, The Shop. In addition to working, countless hours were spent
there with music, family, friends, and Budweiser. Tom loved nothing more than when his shop
served as the party spot for New Year's Eve, 4th of July, or any other spontaneous gatherings.
Tom's understated and quick wit was sure to get laughs and make people feel welcomed during
conversations, competitions, and at FADC.
When he was alone, Tom had a passion for reading, bird watching, and listening to talk radio.
As an avid reader with a memory like a steel trap, he inevitably was the champion of any family
trivia game. Dubbed a "Bird Nerd" by his family, he took pleasure in watching and learning
about the birds that frequented the many feeders and houses hanging outside his shop
windows. Tom rarely missed an episode of his favorite radio shows including 'For The Birds'
and 'Science Fridays'.
Tom lives on in the hearts of his wife, Debbie, their children: Angella Pratt and her husband Pat;
Tommy Hamlin and his wife Mandi; Lilly Janiak and her husband Joe; and Bobby Hamlin.
PopPop's immeasurable love will always be part of the memories shared with his grandchildren,
Eddie and Rosie Pratt and CeCe Hamlin. Tom forged powerful bonds with all of those who were
in his life and will be deeply missed by countless family, extended family and friends. He is
survived by his mother-in-law, Catherine Halnon and is predeceased by his parents Robert and
Judith (Zeno) Hamlin and his father-in-law Raymond Halnon.
A Mass of Christian burial to celebrate Tom's life will be held at Holy Cross Church in Colchester on Thursday, August 4th at 1:00 pm with burial to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Children's Literacy Foundation, 1536 Loomis Hill Road, Waterbury Center, VT 05677 or online at clifonline.org.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas, please visit our floral store.
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