Thomas B. McKirryher

Naugatuck – Thomas B. McKirryher, 80, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Claire (Terry) McKirryher.

Tom was born on November 8, 1945, in Rutland, Vermont, to the late Harland and Rita (Morgan) McKirryher. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, in Florida, where he spent four years as a firefighter—a role that sparked a lifelong passion for public service.

In 1969, Tom met the love of his life and best friend, Claire, in Rutland, VT, on a blind date. Together they built a life in Naugatuck, Connecticut, where they raised six children and shared nearly 55 years of marriage.

Tom dedicated his career to the Borough of Naugatuck Fire Department, joining the department in 1976, rising through the ranks to Lieutenant and ultimately retiring as a Captain in 2005. In a recent forum, Tom was referred to as a “Firefighters Officer”. You knew where you stood and he cared about his crews.

His commitment to serving the community continued long after retirement. He served on the Naugatuck Board of Education and the Fire Commission, always striving to make a positive impact on the town he loved. Tom and Claire instilled those values in their children as they all serve in public service as Educators, Firefighters and Police Officers.

In 2006, Tom proudly embraced what became one of his favorite roles—“Grumpy.” With unwavering dedication, he enthusiastically accepted consecutive contracts as chauffeur, babysitter, mentor, and biggest fan to his thirteen grandchildren. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with them.

A man of deep faith, Tom was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, where he generously donated his time and talents, from maintaining the church grounds to participating in numerous charitable activities. He also enjoyed spending time at his lake house in Vermont, relaxing in his favorite chair, and creating lasting memories with his children and grandchildren.

Although Tom achieved much throughout his life, he considered his greatest accomplishment to be his family, of whom he was immensely proud.

Besides his beloved wife, Claire, Tom is survived by his children: Aimee McKirryher; Gregory McKirryher and his fiancée, Meghan McDonald; Brian McKirryher and his wife, Angela; Jeffrey McKirryher and his wife, Christina; Daniel McKirryher and his wife, Megan; and Andrew McKirryher and his wife, Jonna. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Cole, Zachary, Kylie, Chase, Jack, Declan, Griffin, Carrick, Parker, Angelina, Harland, Olivia, and Laney; and by his sisters, Michaela Tomaselli of Massachusetts and Nancy Pratico of Rutland, Vermont.

Arrangements: Family and friends may call on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck. On Monday, his funeral procession will depart the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. and proceed to St. Francis of Assisi Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Watertown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church 318 Church St., Naugatuck, CT 06770 or the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 280285, East Hartford, CT 06128 or by clicking HERE.