Thomas J. Nee, Sr.

Portland Thomas J. Tommy Nee, Sr., 86, passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2016 at his home. Born in Portland on August 19, 1930, Thomas was the son of the late Thomas and Mary (Cahill) Nee. Tommy, known to many childhood friends and his siblings as Alkie, attended St. Dominics Grammar School, St. Patricks Grammar School, and Cheverus High School. The eldest son of two Irish immigrants, Tommy grew up with limited means but a deep love and appreciation for family. As a teenager, Tommy found himself caring for his siblings after the death of his mother and father. As sad as this time was for him, he continued to work hard, maintain a strong faith, and live with a grateful outlook on life. As a young man, Tommy had the great fortune of meeting Kathryn A. Kay Sandberg. On September 27, 1952, Tommy and Kay were married. They settled in Portland and together, they raised seven children. Their big Irish family was a staple in Libbytown. A devoted Catholic, Tommy and his wife raised their seven children in faith and provided a Catholic education for all of them. Throughout the years, Tommy worked for several tree and arborist companies. He found his true passion when he was appointed as the Superintendent of Calvary Cemetery in the mid-1970s. Under his tenure, New Calvary Cemetery was developed and opened to accommodate the growing needs of the community. He retired in the mid-1990s when his son Dickie, who had inherited his fathers caring and empathetic nature, took over as Superintendent of the cemetery. Not one to stay idle, Tommy enjoyed his retirement by working as a landscaper with his nephew, Al Lappin, making deliveries for a neighborhood store and serving as the Tree Warden for the Town of Cape Elizabeth. Tommy was very active in community and civic organizations. He was one of the founding members of the Irish American Club and a member and past-president of the Maine Arborist Association, Maine Cemetery Association and St. Patricks Home and School. Tommy was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Boys and Girls Club. He was a devoted communicant of the former St. Patricks Church where he was very involved. Above all things, Tommy valued his family and expected them to do the same. He instilled in his family the importance of being loving, generous, and kind. His heart of gold and wonderful sense of humor will forever be remembered by his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Just hours before Tommy passed away, he was heartbroken to learn of the death of his son, Richard Dickie Nee on December 24, 2016. Tommy was also predeceased by his oldest son, Thomas Nee, Jr.; grandsons, Ben Clough and Seamus Nee; sisters, Mary Costigan and Mona Nee; brothers, Edward Nee, Rev. Daniel Nee; cousins, Richard ODonnell and Patricia Roberts. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Kathryn Kay Nee of Portland; children, Kathryn Lovejoy of South Portland, Mary Clough and husband Paul of Westbrook, Patricia MacNeill and fianc Paul Cousins of South Portland, Stephen Nee and wife Joy of Portland, Michael Nee and wife Melissa of South Portland; daughter-in-law, Kathryn Katie Nee of Scarborough. Tommy was the proud grandfather of 25 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; he is also survived by several extended family members. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, January 1, 2017, from 2-6PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home on Monday, January 2, 2017 at 10:15AM followed by an 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Tommys memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support Tommys grandchildren with special needs, Annie and Coleman. For more information, please visithttp://www.gofundme.com/35p266gc