BANGOR – Thomas William Tear, 81, passed away April 22, 2010, at a Bangor health care facility. Mr. Tear was born Jan. 24, 1929, in Old Town, son of the late Thomas A. Tear and Lottie A. Day, both of Old Town. Mr. Tear was a graduate of Old Town High School. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of the New Castle Moose Lodge in Delaware. Mr. Tear was employed by Malley Security, Bangor, until he suffered a stroke in January 2009. In addition to his family, Mr. Tear leaves behind, to cherish his memory, many friends. He led an active social life and was known for his generous heart, his infectious smile and his great sense of humor. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Tear was predeceased by his sisters, Dorothy Heldman and Ruth Dyer; and brothers, Everett, Paul and Robert. Mr. Tear is survived by his wife, Mary Toner of Bangor; two sons, Thomas W. of New Castle, Del., and Paul K. and his wife, Chrissy, of Bradford; five daughters, Deborah Bacon and her husband, Shane, of Hermon, Cindy Butera and her husband, Joseph, of Newburgh, Kimberly Pinto and her husband, Carlo, of Veazie, Lisa Haslam and her husband, Paul, of Brewer and Heidi York of Bangor; 17 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; his sister, Charlotte Bush-Stevenson of Bangor; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. The family thanks the staff and nurses of the Maine Veterans Home, Bangor, for the patience and the loving care they showed to our father. A funeral service with military honors will be held 2 p.m. Monday, April 26, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. Notes of condolences may be left at www.birminghamfuneralhome.com. <
THOMAS WILLIAM TEAR
