Thomas R. Vivona

Raised on Long Island, Tom excelled at sports in high school and was even drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers, but his father insisted that he attend college. He went on to graduate from Colgate University. Tom also proudly served as a member of the US Army and was discharged in 1963. Following graduation and his military service, Tom began a 40 year career in the insurance industry, first with Prudential Insurance and then with Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, where he retired in 1999 as the vice president of Claims after 32 years with the company. He received many awards and accolades during his career, including the Strathmore’s Who’s Who in Insurance for 1998-1999.  During the past several years, Tom had lived in Campton, NH where he was able to enjoy the beauty of the White Mountains that surround the area. Tom leaves his beloved wife of 15 years, Priscilla J. (Pring) Laidlaw; his daughter, Lisa Pake and her husband, Bruce of St. Louis, MO; his son, David Vivona of New York City, NY; his four step children, Dana Marchessault and her husband, Ronald of Hopkinton, Jeffrey S. Laidlaw and David W. Laidlaw and his wife, Sara, all of Holden and Douglas P. Laidlaw and his wife, Nathalie of New Boston, NH; his eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Justin and Nicholas Marchessault; Robert Laidlaw, Brooke and Travis Laidlaw, and Hannah and Amelia Laidlaw; his brother, Alexander Vivona and his wife, Beckie of Denver, CO; a niece, Marianne Vivona and her husband, Steve Furneaux. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Margaret (Smith) Vivona, his son, Thomas R. Vivona, Jr. and his niece, Michele Vivona. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Tom’s family on Thursday, March 17, from 4-7 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 18, at 11 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 346 Shrewsbury Street, Holden. Burial in the Massachusetts VA Cemetery, Bourne will be held privately on Monday, March 21. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sunrise Senior Living of Leominster, 6 Beth Avenue, Leominster, MA 01453, where Tom was so lovingly cared for in his final days. To share a memory or leave an online condolence for the family, please visit our "Guest Book" here on our page.