Thomas N. Grassel

Thomas N. Grassel Jr. of Worcester, died on Saturday, March 25, 2017, at the UMass Memorial Medical Center.  He was 4 days shy of his 70th birthday at the time of his passing. Tommy is survived by his sister: Melissa (Grassel) White and her husband Nick of Brighton/Hove, United Kingdom; by Sharon Grassel, of Auburn; two nieces and three great nephews. Tommy was born in Worcester the son of the late Thomas N Grassel Sr. and Floy E. (Bates) Grassel and was a graduate of North High School. Tommy also joins his brother Charles G. Grassel who predeceased him in 2008. Throughout his life Tommy succeeded at a variety of occupations, before settling down as a Labor Forman and then Project Manager with Traffic Systems, Inc. of Worcester.  You can think of him the next time you're stuck at one of Worcester's ridiculously long red lights!  He worked for Traffic Systems, Inc. for 25+ years before retiring, several years ago. Tommy served his country as a Sergeant in the US Army.  He was part of the 101st Airborne Division ("Screaming Eagles") and did a tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968.  He received several awards and commendations including; the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Device, Vietnam Service Medal and Parachutist Badge.   Tommy's sister would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Marguerite Hawley and her entire team for their excellent care and empathy. In addition, to the Hematology/Oncology Nursing Team on 6 West (You all rock!) and to the amazing PCAs (especially Briana!) who took such good care of Tommy 1:1! Please know the kindness and compassion exhibited by all of you is sincerely appreciated. A period of calling hours to honor and celebrate Tommy’s life will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester; concluded by Military Honors and the American Flag folding ceremony presented by the United States Army. In lieu of flowers, Tommy’s family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America: 8719 Colesville Rd., Suite 100, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910: https://vva.org/donate/. To visit Tommy’s online guestbook and share you memories go to www.mercadantefuneral.com.