Thomas Lineberry
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Thomas Edward Lineberry, 95, of Newington, died on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. He was born March 15, 1926, in the Newfield section of Middletown. The sixth of eight children, and final survivor, he was born to Walter B. and Edith Singer Lineberry. For many years he owned and operated Lineberry's at the corner of Newfield and Westfield Streets.
Educated in Middletown, he was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, class of 1944. Following graduation, Tom entered the United States Army and he was assigned to the European Theater in the 117th Mechanized Cavalry. Following an honorable discharge, he attended Northrup Aeronautical Institute, and graduated as an aeronautical engineer. Tom worked in this field for a period of time, but returned to help his parents and grow the family business. He designed and built the building that continues to operate as a corner store.
Tom met Grace Maxwell in 1957, while both were officers in the Middletown and Middlesex County Young Republicans. He was elected to the Middletown Town Council and held the position for several years. The couple married in 1959.
Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was "the jack of all trades", and mastered most of them. He was always ready and willing to take on a project to help another; fix a car for a son, refurbish an apartment or house, build a deck, and especially to babysit grandchildren, most important priorities for him. He could be depended upon and trusted by all who knew him.
Tom leaves to mourn him, his best friend and loving wife, Grace, sons Myles with Nancy, of Exeter, RI, Gregory and the late Sharon, of Middletown, Timothy of Newington, and Bruce of New York City. He was predeceased by his beloved son Thomas Brent in 1983. Tom also leaves grandchildren Brent Lineberry and Nicole of RI, Lindsay Lineberry, Timothy C. Lineberry, Arielle Santarpio and Joseph of RI, Gregory, Jr. of New Mexico, and Anthony Lineberry of Middletown. Tom was the loving great grandpa to twins Haidyn Hope and Francis Myles Santarpio. Tom is survived by many nieces and nephews, including Howard and Jill Lineberry and Maureen and Joe Grismer. He also leaves extended family, "son" Carl "Butch" Passanisi. He had a special bond with niece Karen Campo, her husband Dave and son Matt.
Tom was a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit for more than 27 years. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, from 10:15 am to 11:15 am at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 183 Church St., Newington. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 am at the church. He will be laid to rest with military honors in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington, is serving the family. To share your sorrow, please visit us at www.duksa.net.