Thomas Berthiaume

Thomas T. Berthiaume, 74, of Oldsmar, Florida, formerly of Worcester passed away Monday, December 17th in the Mease Countryside Hospital after a brief illness. He is survived by his devoted wife of 28 years, Dorsen J. (Smith) Buffone, Berthiaume; three sons, Mark Berthiaume of Worcester, Patrick Berthiaume of Charlton and Bryan Berthiaume and his wife Denise of Martinez, California; three stepdaughters, Sally A. Brunelle and her husband Joseph of Worcester; Judy J. Remuck of Campton, N.H. and LeeAnn Buffone-Gervais and her husband Paul of West Boylston; a brother, James Berthiaume of Spencer; a sister, Nancy Wheeler of Littleton; ten grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. Thomas was born in Leicester, the son of Albert and Ella (Rivers) Berthiaume. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by Tom's first wife Beatrice (Abysalh) Berthiaume in 1976; his brothers, Theodore and Albert "Jocko"; and his sister, Exina. Tom graduated from Cony High School in Augusta, Maine, earned his degree from Worcester Junior College and attended the Holy Cross College of Industrial Relations. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and lived in Worcester until moving to Florida in 2003. Tom was first and foremost an advocate for workers' rights. He represented and assisted thousands of working men and women. He was a Labor Relations Coordinator for the Massachusetts AFL-CIO when he retired. He previously worked in the Massachusetts Secretary of State's Labor office. He also worked for the General Motors/United Auto Workers in Framingham for 25 years before it closed in 1989. He remained very active in the United Auto Workers' Retiree Local 422. Tom was a former member of St. Stephen's church. A member and Past Commander of the Vernon Hill Post 435, American Legion. A member and past officer of the Pope John XXIII Council Knights of Columbus. A member of the Massachusetts State Jobs Council, the Worcester City Democratic Committee and a delegate to two National Conventions. Tom's funeral will be held Thursday, December 27th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St. Burial in St. John Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with Dorsen and her family from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 26th in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor Brookline, MA 02445-7226