Obituary: Beloved Branford Fireman Dies After Battle With ALS
Clancy Memorial
BRANFORD, CT - Thomas M. Raiola died Tuesday March 30, 2020 at Yale-New Haven Hospital after his courageous battle with ALS.
He was the beloved husband of Sharon Appi Raiola for over 40 years.
Tom was born in New Haven July 14, 1954, son of the late Vincent and Stasia Rollis Raiola. He was a Certified Electronic Technician and worked at Picker International for twelve years. The following 43 years were spent with Safe Harbor Marinas (Bruce and Johnson’s) as Office Manager overseeing the day to day operations of the 500 plus ship facility. Tom was committed to humanitarian services.
He served as Captain of Company 9 Indian Neck Fire Department for many years and was hands-on utility firefighter. He documented many fire incidents using his honed photography skills. Trained as an EMT, he supported the town’s emergency services with Branford Ambulance. He was certified with the American Red Cross as a member of their Disaster Relief Service. As an avid Amateur Radio Operator (N1HU1), Tom communicated with associates worldwide during times of crisis and served as a member of the National Hurricane Center and the Weather Channel in storm tracking and support.
The Indian Neck Dept. issued the following statement about the passing of their colleague.
"Tom communicated with associates worldwide during times of crisis and served as a member of the National Hurricane Center and the Weather Channel in storm tracking and support.
“Tom will always be remembered as a great captain, teacher and friend by all he touched. We wish to express our deepest condolences to Sharon and to all of Tom's family and friends, you are in our thoughts and prayers.‘’
Besides his wife, Tom is survived by his siblings, Fredrick (Theresa) Raiola of North Branford, Rebecca (Robert) Raiola-Paul of Guilford and Joseph (Adriene) Raiola of Guilford; his niece, Roxanne Raiola, and his nephews Allen and Gary Raiano and Mark and David Hudson. Donations in memory of Tom may be sent to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Foundation, 282 Washington Street, Hartford CT 06106. Funeral arrangements are private at this time due to enforced parameters of the COVID-19 pandemic. A public memorial service and reception will be held at a later date.
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This article originally appeared on the Branford Patch
