1947 – 2016

LEWISTON — Thomas “Tom” A. Coulombe, 68, passed away at his home in Lewiston on Monday, June 6, with his family at his side.

He was born in Topsham on Aug. 29, 1947, to Theresa Marin and Jacques Coulombe. Tom was the oldest of 13 children.

Tom attended St. John’s Grammar School in Brunswick, St. Joseph’s Seminary in Bucksport, and graduated from St. Dominic High School in 1966. He attended Auburn Maine School of Commerce, receiving an associate degree in accounting and business administration.

Tom began his career at Philips Elmet where he worked for 17 years. He spent 6 years at Dion Distributors as assistant to the president. Before retiring in 2009, he worked at the Department of Education in Augusta for 20 years managing federal special education funds. He earned several awards for his distinguished service to the state of Maine. After retirement, Tom enjoyed delivering Utz products which reminded him of times when as a child he helped his father deliver milk for Granite Farm Dairy in Brunswick.

When not maintaining his gentleman’s farm, which includes scenic walking trails, gardens and animals, or enjoying trips and activities with his immediate or extended family, Tom shared his time and talents with many organizations. For more than 40 years, he participated in Boy Scouts (Troop 160 and later Troop 116) in various capacities, earning the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver. Tom was very proud of his son, Jacob, who accompanied him on many hikes and canoe trips and earned his Eagle in 2006. He assisted Girl Scout Troop 318 on trips to Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. More recently, Tom served as a Venture Crew Advisor, spending a week at the Florida Sea Base sailing with the crew. He attended five national Scout Jamborees, one with his son, serving as a railroad merit badge counselor. For many years, Tom was affiliated with the Catholic Committee on Scouting, helping to organize numerous camporees. He was awarded the St. George Medal for his efforts. He continued to assist Scouts to earn religious awards until shortly before his death.

Over the years, Tom also managed softball teams, served as an adviser for Junior Achievement, tax preparer for AARP and a presenter for Operation Life Saver.

Tom enjoyed outdoor activities, such as chopping wood, hiking, canoeing, white-water rafting and zip lining.

Since 1997, Tom’s passion has been model railroading. He was an integral part of the Great Falls Model Railroad Club, serving as treasurer for the club and station master at the club’s Mill Street location in Auburn. He organized train shows, participated in adult education programs at the club and family nights at Governor’s Restaurant. He looked forward to attending train shows in West Springfield, Mass., sometimes with members of his family. Tom was a member and treasurer of the Seacoast Division of the National Railroad Association for several years.

Tom will be remembered for his love of family, patience, quiet sense of humor, wisdom and gentleness, his strong work ethic and his life of service and commitment to others. He made a difference in the lives of many. His influence and advice will have an impact long after his passing.

He is survived by his wife, Carmen Berube Coulombe; his son, Jacob Thomas Coulombe; six brothers, Francis, Antoine, Michael, Pierre, James and Andrew; four sisters, Anita Kenopensky, Elizabeth Kinsman, Jacqueline Adams and Barbara Giroux; his paternal uncle, Chanel Coulombe of Topsham; his maternal aunts, Freda Cook, Anne Belanger and Alphena Curtis; his sister-in-law, Julie Berube; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Jeannine Gilliland and Rosemarie Homovich.

Tom’s family wishes to thank medical providers and staff at St. Mary’s Cancer & Blood Disorders and Wounded Care Units, Radiation Oncology at Central Maine Medical Center and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for their compassionate care of Tom during his illness.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.