Tom Crocker, 75, passed away peacefully at home in Coventry, RI on September 18, 2023 after 19 months living with glioblastoma. He approached his illness with the same stalwart determination he was known for throughout his life. He is survived by his partner of 22 years Kathy Murray, his son William Crocker Hay and daughter-in-law Lily Crocker Hay, and sisters Evelyn Crocker, Alison Milek, and Hope Crocker.
Born in Milton, MA, Tom grew up in Providence, RI and attended high school at the Brooks School in North Andover, MA. He then spent six years in the Navy as a Torpedoman's Mate — Second Class before attending Boston University for two years. In 1975, he left school to work in retail sporting goods, first in New York City and then Boston. In 1978, he moved back to Providence and transitioned to working in real estate. By 1984, Tom had landed at Nynex (later Verizon) for what would be his lasting career in telecommunications. Tom worked for 35 years in wireline engineering and planning, and spent a few years attending night school through Leslie University to complete his degree and advance professionally. He retired in 2019. Tom was an avid golfer and passionate Boston sports fan.
After being diagnosed with glioblastoma in February 2022 and undergoing the standard of care for months, Tom elected to enroll in a clinical trial at Massachusetts General Hospital and was the first person to ever receive CAR T-cell therapy in his brain. He underwent two rounds of the treatment. His willingness to participate in this study and courage throughout the journey was a testament to his character and a valuable contribution to crucial research. Tom will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
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