Thomas Michael LaVerdiere

GARDINER – Thomas Michael LaVerdiere, 77, died Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, following a long illness.

Tom was born in Waterville, on Nov. 13, 1947, to C. Clayton and Mary E. (Tully) LaVerdiere. He grew up in Waterville and often fondly recalled the days of bike riding with friends, playing baseball and hockey, and endless hours spent at the Waterville Boys and Girls Club. Tom was educated in Waterville schools.

He moved to Gardiner and married Gina A. (Dorso) LaVerdiere in 1975. They resided in Gardiner where they raised their sons Tom and Andrew.

Tom was employed in auto sales for many years. At the time of his retirement, he had been employed as a Sales Manager for Charlie’s Motor Mall for 24 years. He collected vintage cars and trucks over the years, with vehicles from the 1940’s to the muscle cars of the 1960’s, being among his favorite eras. He liked traveling to car shows and swap meets in search of the right parts for his restoration projects. A favorite trip was to the Hershey Car Show and Swap meet in Hershey, Pa. each fall, or the Spring Car Show in Carlisle, Pa. each year.

After retirement, Tom’s enjoyment of flea markets, auctions, and collecting things became a second career for him as he purchased vintage items and antiques, refinished them, and sold them at the Fairfield Antiques Mall.

Tom had a touch of ADHD, a sprinkle of Archie Bunker, and a work ethic like no other. He was always busy and always had many projects on his schedule. His dogs were his constant companions during his retirement and always ready to go for a ride or out for ice cream with him.

Tom and Gina enjoyed traveling, with vacations in Aruba, Hawaii, and Popham Beach among their favorite travel destinations. He was affectionately known as “Papa” to his grandchildren and loved spending time with them at holiday gatherings, attending their sporting events, BBQ’s and afternoons at the pool, and trips to the Windsor Fair every year on Labor Day! He also enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, Nev. with his friends.

Tom is survived by his wife, Gina; his children Hollee Fraser, (Bruce), William LaVerdiere, (April), Tommy LaVerdiere, and Andrew LaVerdiere; and by his grandchildren, Brandon, Whitney, Nick, Luc, Bill, Gracie, Claire, Drew, James, and Madeline. He is also survived by his siblings Susan Bannister (Don), Charlie LaVerdiere (Brenda), Mary Littlefield, Mark LaVerdiere, Ann West (Rich), and Kathy Worcester (Ed).

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Michele LaVerdiere, and his brother-in-law and close friend, Barry Rosen.

At Tom’s request, there will be no formal funeral services. The family will host a celebration of life on Dec. 28, from 1 to 3 p.m., in the banquet room of the Augusta Elks Club. Please join us to share a story or memory and a smile as we remember a life well lived.

The family would like to thank Dr. David Preston, the staff in the CCU and on 1 West at MaineGeneral Medical Center, and the staff at Glenridge LTC and Rehab and the Comfort Care unit for the care they provided during his illness.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com