Thomas J. Earley

Thomas J. Earley, 91, died peacefully Saturday, March 8, 2025 at his home in Stoughton, after several years of declining health. He was the husband of almost 65 years of Patricia A. (Hale) Earley. Born in Winthrop, he was raised in Stoughton and was a 1952 graduate of Stoughton High School. He was also a graduate of the Franklin Institute. In 1960, he married Patricia Hale of Norwood, and together they enjoyed almost 65 years of marriage and raised 3 beloved children. Tom was the owner of T. F. Earley & Son Heating and Oil Company in Stoughton for 39 years, a company he started with his father in 1960. They were always known by their slogan “Call Earley before it’s too late.” He enjoyed working beside his father and the daily interactions with his employees and customers. In wintertime, Tom was known for always sporting a bright red winter hat. Tom also honorably served in the National Guard Reserves as a Medic for 10 years. He enjoyed several hobbies over the years, and one of his favorites was flying Piper Cub airplanes out of Taunton Airport. He became a licensed pilot in 1967 and always treasured his time in the sky. He was a member of the Green Harbor Tuna Club of Marshfield and caught his first giant bluefin Tuna in 1972. He enjoyed many years of sport fishing and lobstering with his family and friends on his boat the “Happy Hooker”. After his retirement in 1989, he hardly slowed down. He honed his carpentry skills, building two large additions at his home and freely shared his building knowledge with others. He took up snow skiing at age 60 and became a ski instructor at Wachusett Mountain for several years. He enjoyed photography, fresh water fishing and, at age 72, he bought his first, but not his last, motorcycle. Tom was also active in Stoughton Civic events, as a member of the Knights of Columbus in Stoughton, as a Town Meeting Representative and the Stoughton School Building Committee. Above all, Tom most loved spending time with his beloved family.

In addition to his wife Patricia, he is survived by his children, Thomas J. Earley Jr., Linda A. Tracey and her husband Kevin P. Tracey and Mark C. Earley and his wife Kerry, all of Stoughton. He was predeceased by his sisters, Catherine M. Lopes and Elizabeth “Betsy” Diomedes. He is also survived by several brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Visiting Hours will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt. 27) Stoughton on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 4-7 PM followed by Funeral Prayers at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association