Thomas Denardis

DUDLEY – Thomas J. DeNardis, 79, formerly of Webster, died Thursday, July 2, 2020, following a long illness.

He leaves his wife of 54 years, Donna B. (Capozzoli) DeNardis. They were married September 18, 1965.  He is also survived by his 2 beloved daughters, Dayna DeNardis Dumas and her husband Michael of Charlton and Stacy L. Flynn and her husband Patrick of Dudley; 6 grandchildren, Samantha Dumas, Veronica Dumas, Joseph Dumas, Deryn Flynn, Thomas Flynn and Megan Flynn and his sisters Josephine Davis of Thompson, CT and Mary Aldrich of Webster and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Christina DeNardis, Santina (Bella) Siekierski and Anna Tracey.

He was born in Webster, the youngest child of Thomas and Angela (Esposito) DeNardis. Thomas graduated in 1959 from Bartlett High School in Webster. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force where he spent time in Japan. He always looked forward to attending the veteran’s programs that were held over the years in the Dudley Charlton schools with his grandchildren. For many years Tom attended night classes at Central New England College in Worcester and received his degree in Applied Technology in 1989. He retired in 2007 after many years in local optical and fiber optics manufacturing, having worked for over 30 years at American Optical in Southbridge and then Schott Fiber Optics in Southbridge and Gentex Optics in Dudley.

He enjoyed being a grandfather the most and “Poppy” especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren at Burger King, and attending all of his grandchildren’s games and concerts.  He also loved being on the local golf course and enjoyed the guys in the morning leagues at Roseland Golf Course in Woodstock, CT. For many years, Thomas and his wife were foster parents for Labs4Rescue. They helped to find homes for many Labrador retrievers over the years and his two dogs, Cooper and Dino will miss him walking them around the neighborhood. He was a proud Italian American and was often seen wearing apparel that told everybody as much! Thomas was a former member of St. Louis Church in Webster, and most recently attended masses with his grandchildren at St. Joseph’s Church in Charlton.

Although Tom’s health journey had many twists and turns over the years, this past year was particularly arduous and he never complained.  He took each day as it came. The family would especially like to thank family friend Paula Lobo for her loving care during this difficult time.

Due to current precautions, services will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Webster-Dudley Veteran’s Council, 4 Veterans Way, Webster, MA 01570.  Paradis-Givner Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.  To leave a memory or message of condolence, please click on "Tribute Wall."