Thomas F. Hebert

SOUTHBRIDGE: Thomas Fletcher Hebert, 75, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at UMass Memorial Hospital’s University Campus, Worcester.

Tom is survived by his wife of 51 years, Eleanor L. (Gacek) Hebert. They were married on August 20, 1972 after meeting in college.  He is also survived by his four children; Elizabeth Detarando and her husband Michael of Fiskdale, MA, Thomas F. Hebert, Jr. of Portsmouth, NH, Laura Brunstetter and her husband Michael of Worcester, MA and Daniel Hebert and his wife Sarah of Worcester, MA; his six grandchildren, Michael Detarando, Ava Detarando, Matthew Brunstetter, Posy Hebert, Mabel Hebert and Oliver Hebert; and several close family members and friends.

Born in Southbridge on July 15, 1948, Thomas was the son of the late J. Lionel, Sr., and Agnes (Fletcher) Hebert. He was predeceased by his sister Alice Cove and his three brothers Len, James and George Hebert. Thomas held a Masters degree in health education.  He was a teacher in the Southbridge Public Schools for 34 years where his colleagues became some of his dearest friends.  He also enjoyed various jobs including bartending over the years into retirement.  Tom was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of Notre Dame Church in Southbridge.

Tom cherished time with family and friends more than anything and especially loved to host gatherings at his home on Marcy St.  He was a passionate cook and was also an avid thoroughbred horse racing enthusiast. Tom will be remembered for his kind, empathetic and positive spirit. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He leaves a wonderful legacy and will be missed dearly.

Tom’s family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at UMass University’s campus for the compassionate care they provided both Tom and our family.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a funeral Mass on Thursday, September, 14th at 11:00am in Notre Dame Church of St. Paul II Parish, 446 Main St., Southbridge, burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, East Brookfield, MA.  Calling hours to be held on Wednesday, September, 13th from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy St., Southbridge, MA.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tom’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

An online guestbook and video tribute are available at www.BelangerFuneralhome.com 

A video tribute will be available on Monday.