Thomas R. Wasso

SHREWSBURY– Tom Wasso knew he was a blessed man adored by a family of strong and loving women. He passed at home peacefully surrounded by his girls on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 after a long illness. He was 86. 

Thomas Richard Wasso was born March 28, 1938 in Natick the only child of the late Albanian immigrants Xhuvi ‘Joseph’ and Christine (Badjo) Wasso. Having lost his father at a very young age his mother raised him in Worcester within the Albanian community on Beacon Street. He graduated from South High School and later earned his degree from the New England School of Accounting and certifications from the School of Industrial Management at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He served in the United States Army Reserves for six years and on October 13, 1963, he married West End Boston native, Mary Christo in Holy Trinity Albanian Orthodox Church. They moved to Shrewsbury in 1966. 

Forever loyal, Tom worked as an accountant for Jamesbury Corporation retiring after thirty-two years and returning as a consultant until age eighty-three. 

Although Tom was an only child, he had a band of brothers that he grew up with. Tom nurtured these relationships throughout his life, some as long as seventy-eight years. Known as the ‘The Boys’, this crew spent time walking Hope Cemetery, razzing each other. His passions included working out at the YMCA and fishing on Cape Cod. Out of all things in life, his family was the most precious and each grandchild was a gold coin in his treasure. 

Tom humbly helped others and faithful to his Albanian heritage, Tom worked religiously to help Albanian immigrants settle and find employment and life in America. He was an active member at Saint Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church and Sons of Saint Mary’s serving as Treasurer for many years. He was a volunteer at the festivals where he managed the food lines and served their famous shish kabob. 

Tom’s selfless acts were endless. If you knew him, you knew this to be true. He offered his heart and hands openly without reciprocation. 

Tom’s family offers words of gratitude to Dr. Omar Siddiqui and Boston Medical Center for their wonderful care and dedication to Tom. 

In addition to his wife of 61 years, Mary, he leaves his four daughters and son-in-laws, Erika and Joey Rovezzi of Rutland, Marni and Jim Dente of Winchester, Alexis and Chad Pukaite of Holden, and Greer and Steven Hanson of Stuart, Florida; much loved ‘Baba’ of Olivia Pukaite, Cole Dente, Austin Pukaite, Alexandria Dente, Tommy Rovezzi and Derek Dente; his in-laws, the late Bess and Nelson Cook, Nancy and John (late) Gavin of Orleans, and Jody and Peter Christopher of Shrewsbury; cousin Dorothy and Richard Mitchell; also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Tom's life by gathering for visitation on Saturday, March 8th from 10:30 a.m. – 12 Noon in Saint Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester, followed by his funeral service celebrated at 12 Noon. The Rev. Mark Doku will officiate. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Saint Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609 https://stmarysalbanianchurch.org/memorial or National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), 1900 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 310, Quincy, MA 02169 or https://rarediseases.org/

†   May his memory be eternal †

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.