CHELMSFORD- Thomas M. Gilroy, 74, passed away suddenly at his home on Friday, April 15, 2016. He was the beloved husband of Eleanor A. (Safrine) Gilroy with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.

Thomas was born in Lynn on August 5, 1941, the son of the late Thomas F. and Ruth F. (Holmes) Gilroy. He was a graduate of Lynn English High School as well as Salem State.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Raytheon for 37 years in Andover and Bedford, MA. In retirement, Thomas loved to travel and cooking with his wife, Ellie. He also never missed the opportunity to attend his grandchildren’s sporting and scholastic events.

Thomas had his true passion for politics and government. He was the Chairman of the Chelmsford Finance Committee, a Precinct Nine Town Meeting Representative as well as a long time member of the Republican Party.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by their children, Christine (Gilroy) Cossette and her husband Darren of N. Chelmsford, Michael Gilroy and his wife Nadia of Bedford, NH, Kathleen (Gilroy) Cargill and her husband Keith of Marlboro, MA; his grandchildren, Cody and Amber Cossette, Colin, Paige, Zack, and Brooke Gilroy, and Claire Cargill. He also leaves his sister Joan (Gilroy) Winslow of Lynn and Mary Margaret Gilroy of Salisbury; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Thomas was also the brother of the late David Gilroy and Kevin Gilroy.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 3 to 7 PM at the Blake Funeral Home, 24 Worthen Street.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 9 o’clock at St. Mary Parish, 25 North Road, Chelmsford. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH.

Interment to follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Thomas’ name to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.