Thomas J. McCluskey

Thomas James McCluskey of Fort Collins CO, died peacefully on Sunday, May 8, 2022 at the age of 95. Tom was born on September 5, 1926 in County Monaghan, Ireland on the shores of Emy Lough and was the second of six children. He worked the family farm until making his way to America. He met his beloved wife Sheila at a dance in NYC and focused their family life around the Irish communities of NY and NJ starting in the early ‘60s. Tom and Sheila devoted their lives to raising their seven children, ensuring they had access to opportunities, while instilling a love of Irish culture at home. He had a gift for turning a phrase and cracking a joke out of the side of his mouth that delighted his kids. After the long COVID lockdown, never losing his sense of humor, he took a long sip of his first Guinness, put down the glass, and declared the “long thirst is over”. He opened his home and heart to extended Irish relatives with an everyone welcome spirit. Tom nurtured a strong bond with those in Emyvale through many trips back home and weekly Sunday calls. After raising their children, he and Sheila traveled to Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Maine, California, Colorado, Michigan, and Florida, visiting friends and grandchildren. Family life was the center of his universe. Tom retired from Volvo of America but shortly returned to work in the Whiting School District. He made his final home in Fort Collins, CO. Survivors include his children Geraldine, John (Linda), Pattie (Jim), Aiden, Eileen (John), Kathleen (Adam). He has 12 loving grandchildren. Also surviving are siblings Annie and John Joe (Rosemary). He is predeceased by his wife Sheila, son Cormic, as well as siblings Kathleen, Mary, and Rita; parents, John and Jane. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Monday, May 16th, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish followed by a luncheon and 12:30pm burial at Grandview Cemetery. The family asks all guests to respect COVID precautions while traveling and attending services & gatherings. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ataxia Foundation of Ireland (AFI.ie) or FARA (cureFA.org). Tom’s family extends sincere thanks to the loving staff and care givers at Collinwood Assisted Living and Bristol Hospice for their care and support. His service will be live streamed on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/St-Elizabeth-Ann-Seton-Catholic-Parish-in-Fort-Collins-CO-613861565303368