Thomas J.

Pace, Sr

Centenarian

Loved Life And Family

Thomas J. Pace, Sr, 101, of Sun City Center, Fla., formerly of Stamford and Darien, died after a short illness, with his two sons at his side, November 4, at Plaza West Health Center. Mr Pace was born August 29, 1910, in Stamford, the son of Salvatore Pace and Maria Carmela Vaccaro Pace, who immigrated to the United States from Avigliano-Potenza, Basilicata, Italy.

He is survived by his three children, including Camille Pace of Newtown; two siblings; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was married for more than 50 years to Margaret (Hanus), who died in 1984. Eight siblings also predeceased Mr Pace.

Mr Pace worked at Yale & Towne in Stamford for more than 40 years in shipping and receiving, until the company moved. He later worked and retired from the Perkin-Elmer Corporation in Wilton, after 15 years.

In 1948, he joined the Noroton Heights Volunteer Fire Department and remained active until he moved to Florida in the mid 1980s. He and his wife also volunteered their time to Meals On Wheels.

He also worked as a handyman after his retirement for St Thomas More Church in Darien. He remained active in Florida and enjoyed playing cards several nights a week. He proudly lived on his own until just a few months ago.

Mr Pace was feted in 2010 for his 100th birthday at a party in Bethel, attended by nearly 100 family members and friends. The Paces were known for their large family picnics and birthday celebrations. He attributed his long life to hard work, his deep love of family, and his occasional drink of Wild Turkey 101, for which his family will fondly remember him. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated November 14, followed by burial in St John’s Catholic Cemetery, Darien.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Jowdy Kane Funeral Home, Danbury, was in charge of arrangements.

The Newtown Bee    November 18, 2011