Sharing Sad News
It is with great sadness that FOFAH shares the news of the recent passing of long time friend, Director and former Board President, Tom Wardell.
If you ever visited Hilltop Farm, you would have experienced Tom’s vision and work. He was a quiet leader and a gifted craftsman. In a crowd, he let others take the limelight.
During his leadership on the Board, Tom focused on the details of the organization, and the oversaw the strategic planning for the growing non-profit organization.
As a student of history, he directed the continuation of Hendee Day and recognition of Indian Motorcycles. His greatest gift to us all was his quiet ways and masterful attention to details. His meticulous rebuilding of the windows of the Big White Dairy Barn and the collaboration in rehabbing the houses are just a few examples of his extraordinary legacy at Hilltop Farm.
Tom was an original Hilltop Farm volunteer , doing what every needed to be done to reclaim the property. He became Director during FOFAH’s early years and became the Board President in 2010. He retired from the Board in 2014 to continue his service as an Advisor and a Member of the Facilities and Renovation Committee. He was an active volunteer and continued to be a contributor until a few days before his passing. He was truly a Renaissance Man.
A tree will be planned later this summer in his memory in the Memorial Grove at Hilltop Farm.
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Obituary
Thomas Lee Wardell, born December 22, 1947 to Dorothy K. and John F. Wardell, died Friday March 18, 2022 after a short and courageous battle with lung cancer. Originally of Trucksville, PA, Tom was a graduate of Dallas Senior High School, Dallas PA. He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Indiana Institute of Technology and began his career with Combustion Engineering in 1969. Tom married Anita Augsburger on July 11, 1970. They traveled for his work for several years before settling in Connecticut in 1974. Tom retired in 2010 after 40 years, serving as a Project Manager for power projects around the world. Upon retirement, Tom was active in the Retirees Club and served as Secretary and President. Tom was a man devoted to his family, church and community. He was married to Anita for 51 years. Together they renovated their beautiful historical home in Suffield with an unwavering attention to detail. He is the proud father of two daughters, Jennifer Edmonds (husband Joshua) of Wellesley, MA and Elizabeth Kaplan (husband Michael) of Suffield, CT. He was a wonderful grandfather to his 4 granddaughters, Zoe and Phoebe Kaplan and Courtney and Alysse Edmonds. He always enjoyed time together, holidays, picnics and family meals, especially if cherry pie was included and followed by a rousing game of Dominos. Tom was predeceased by his parents and his brother John. He is survived by his immediate family and his sister-in-law Linda Wardell of Houston, TX, his niece Lisa White and family of Houston, TX and his nephew David Wardell and family of Roanoke, VA. Tom was a longtime member of the First Church of Christ Congregational in Suffield. He served on nearly every board and committee possible. He was a Trustee for decades and was honored as Deacon Emeritus in 2018. He gave tirelessly of his time and many talents. He served as project manager for the renovation of the Church parsonage and most recently as project manager for the capital campaign to renovate the church which included the installation of an elevator. He could always be found fixing, helping or tinkering with something to make the Church a better place for all. Within his beloved community of Suffield, Tom served as the chair for the Suffield Public Works Committee and was a member of the Suffield High School Building Committee. He was a former President for Friends of the Farm at Hilltop (FOFAH) where he tirelessly volunteered for any task that was needed. For the last 20 years Tom was responsible for the general maintenance and weekly winding of the town clock located in the church tower. Tom was a lifelong golfer and very proud member of the Hole in One Club. He was a lover of classical music, puzzles, family vacations to Mackinaw, the golf channel, Mecum car auctions and UConn Women's Basketball and was a lifelong blood donor. He was a problem solver and creative thinker. He was a friend to anyone who ever met him. Not an unkind word could be said about Tom. The family would like to thank the staff and members of First Church for their love and support. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nurses at St. Francis Hospital who were so kind and supportive during his illness. Memorial donations can be made in his honor to the First Church of Christ Congregational, 81 High Street, Suffield, CT 06078 or to Friends of the Farm at Hilltop, PO Box 372, Suffield, CT 06078. Please join the Wardell family in honoring his truly remarkable life with a Memorial Service at 11am on April 23, 2022 at the First Church of Christ Congregational in Suffield, CT. For online condolences please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com
