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Thomas Ralls
In Memory of
Thomas F.
Ralls
1943 - 2015
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Obituary for Thomas F. Ralls

Thomas F.  Ralls
Thomas F. Ralls, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, life-long friend, 72

With the dignity, perseverance and strength that he exuded all his life, Thomas Francis Ralls passed away at Massachusetts General Hospital on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at the age of 72.

He was born October 19, 1943 to George A. Ralls, Sr. and Margaret F. (Tucker) Ralls in the Highlands neighborhood of Lowell, graduating from Lowell Trade School in 1961.

While he often joked he was not the strongest student, Tom truly had a gift for being able to fix anything. Throughout his life he gladly helped family and friends who needed his maintenance and repair skills. His family is especially proud of his role in installing lights above many of the athletic fields in Chelmsford.

Tom was a true family man who spent his entire career – 43.5 years – at Mass Electric. Often times he worked 70-80 hours a week to support his family, keeping a roof over their heads, while also paying for all of their college educations. Beginning his career as a meter reader at age 18, Tom developed into a well-respected, hardworking lineman, braving the elements to provide electricity to thousands of homes in the Merrimack Valley. He was a valuable member of his union, IBEW Local 326, serving on the Executive Board, while also holding the title of Chief Steward in his garage for an unprecedented 32 years. In addition, he was president and E-Board member of his credit union, First Choice (formerly Lowell Electric Light Credit Union), long after he retired.

Perhaps one of his greatest accomplishments was maintaining his sobriety for 38 years. Tom mentored many others who struggled with addiction. As a result of his own experiences, he learned to give everyone a fair shot and believed in second chances.

Carrying on the family tradition of going to Hampton and Seabrook Beaches every year, Tom took great pleasure in bringing all the chairs, umbrellas and sandwiches for the entire group. He taught all of his kids how to catch the perfect wave.

A die-hard Red Sox fan, Tom stayed true to his team regardless of how good or bad they were playing, attending a game at Fenway every season for over 40 years. His family shared his passion for the Red Sox as they remember eating Jiffy Pop past their bedtime when they were young, and later having the opportunity to watch the Red Sox win in dramatic fashion in Game 2 of the 2013 ALCS at Fenway Park. He loved watching his children play sports, whether it be soccer, basketball, field hockey, softball, or rooting on his son at all of his baseball games. When he retired, he would often drive 200 miles roundtrip to watch his kids coach.

Upon learning he had Glioblastoma in June of 2013, Tom and his family, together, did not let this diagnosis get in their way of living life to the fullest.

Tom was fortunate to be surrounded by a close group of friends, including Dick Poirier, John Tellier, Dick Luther and Bernie McNeil along with the ROMEOs, who met every Thursday morning for breakfast.

More than anything, he will be remembered for being generous beyond words. Everybody knew who to call when they were in need. He was a Man’s Man, a hero to his kids, a rock to his family, and the kind of person every parent hopes their kid grows up to be. Tom lived his life believing in himself, he always tried to do the right thing at all times, and taught his children to never give up on anything that is worth fighting for.

Tom is survived by his wife of 42 years Joanne Caunter Ralls of Chelmsford, his son Thomas D. Ralls and his wife Kristin (Plourde) of North Chelmsford, daughter Kathleen Ralls and her husband Nate Kraft of Lowell and daughter Sarah Ralls of Chelmsford. Gramps also shared many special moments with his best pals forever, Thomas J. Ralls and Joseph H. Ralls, who Gramps affectionately called Tommy and Jo-Jo.

He is also survived by his brother George Ralls, Jr. and his wife Patricia, sister Catherine Burbank and her partner Richard Carey, and sister Eileen LeBlanc and her husband Ralph. He was predeceased by his sister Margaret Dukeshire. In addition, he is survived by brother-in-law Ray Caunter, sister-in-law Maureen Miron and her husband Paul, sister-in-law Elaine McKenney and her husband Fran and sister-in-law Priscilla Mullen. He had a special relationship with his aunt Ann Robey, and will be missed by dozens of cousins and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the amazing team of doctors, nurses and aides who assisted Tom and his family over the past couple of years.

Visitation will be held at the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD on Sunday from 4 until 8 pm. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10 o’clock at St. Margaret Church, 374 Stevens St., Lowell. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Interment in Lowell Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Thomas Ralls to the Massachusetts General Hospital, Brain Tumor Center Education and Research Fund, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114 or Circle Home, Inc., 847 Rogers Street Suite 201, Lowell, MA 01852. Funeral Director, Paul A. Hardy, Jr. For online condolence visit BLAKEFUNERALHOME.COM and visit us on Facebook.
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