Thomas E. Metzger

Thomas Metzger, 79, passed away peacefully with his daughter Thomasine by his side March 29, 2021. Thomas was born in Bridgeport CT to Gustave and Evelyn (Byman) Metzger.  He had 3 siblings, Charlie (deceased), Betty Ann (Doty) and Ronald.  Tom graduated from Central high school and immediately enlisted into the Air force.  While in the Air force he trained to be an airplane engine mechanic.  He enjoyed his time in the service and would share many stories of his adventures, including skydiving!  While he was stationed at Westover base he met his beautiful wife of almost 50 years, Sandra. They married and were stationed in Washington State but returned shortly thereafter to help care for Sandra's father and assist with the family's knife sharpening business. Tom then went on to Western New England College and graduated with a Bachelors in Business Marketing. He was well known and respected in his field. One of his larger projects included designing the forced water heated pavement and walkways at a large CT casino. Eventually, Tom moved to Westfield where he and Sandra would raise their family. Tom was a devoted and loving father to his daughters that were adopted from Brightside for Families and Children as infants. He was an active part of their lives throughout the years. He spent many weekends teaching his girls to fish, carpooling to and from swim lessons, track, basketball, dance classes, baseball games and practices. In the later years, he would chauffeur to school events, sports nights, sleepovers and even dates. When Tom wasn't being a great father he was being an amazing husband and partner to his wife Sandra. She always kept him busy with projects around the home. Tom took great pride in his accomplishments. He was extremely proud of the family room/bar he handcrafted and the beautiful slate stone park like garden he created on the property. Tom also loved Halloween. For 24 years he would dress up as the wicked witch to scare the neighborhood children.  Each year adding to his display, making it more elaborate and terrifying. Children came from all over Westfield, by the hundreds, just to experience the witch and his antics. Tom also had many close friends. They, for many years, golfed, played poker and had neighborhood get-togethers. Tom created a welcoming environment for all his friends and family. After Sandra suffered a debilitating illness, Toms love and devotion to Sandra was indisputable.  He cared for her in their home for several years until her death while still maintaining his job. Tom also remained a great Father and Grandfather. Tom spent his final years living with Thomasine and her family. Tom became very close to one of the family dogs Rokko, sneaking him toaster strudels during breakfast. As the years passed, Tom required more care inside and outside of the home. The family would like to thank Caretenders, Mercy Adult day Health, Veterans services, Heritage Hall North, Heritage woods and Mercy Medical Center. Tom leaves his daughters Thomasine Montanez and Traci Hennessey and her husband Joseph Hennessey.  He also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Brittany, Bradley and Bridget Montanez and Kaitlyn Hennessey. Tom was a loving, trustworthy, moral, kind, giving, caring, funny, gentle man who made a positive impression on everyone he encountered. He will be deeply missed. A private Catholic Graveside Service with military honors will be held at St Michael the Archangel Mausoleum – St. Michael’s Cemetery in Springfield for Thomas' immediate family members.