SOLON -- Thomas P. Canterbury, 60, of Solon passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, July 21, 2012.He was born in Kilgore, Texas, on Dec. 28, 1951, the son of Joseph and Rosemary (O'Rourke) Canterbury.
Tom was brought up in Texas before going on to work in the family excavating business, Canterbury Excavating. He eventually became a part owner in the business. Later in life, he went on to own his own excavating and trucking business, Tomcat Trucking. He spent many years as an estimator and truck driver.
Tom had a gift with people. He knew how to lighten the mood and put anyone at ease. He was excellent with children and enjoyed being a part of their lives. Many special moments were spent fishing or hunting with his children and grandchildren in Maine. It wasn't until 2003 that Tom was blessed to meet Lillian Jackson. For many years he was lost, and it wasn't until then that he was truly happy. They were married in 2005 and enjoyed many happy years together. He was especially happy to see the birth of his granddaughter.
Tom is survived by his life partner of nine years, and wife for six, Lillian (Jackson) Canterbury; his son, Andrew Canterbury and his wife, Marcia, of Huntington, W.Va.; daughters, Sarah Kahnt and her husband, Thomas, of Germany, Angela Siranda-Staples and her husband, Ricky, of Augusta, H. Alyssa Siranda of Solon, and Elizabeth Larrabee of Shreveport, La.; four brothers, Joe F. Canterbury II and his wife, Patty Ann, of Tyler, Texas, Michael and his wife, Maryann, of Dallas, Texas, Tim and his wife, Brenda, of Sanger, Texas, and Louis and his wife, Jannelle, of Louisville, Texas; three sisters, Janet Canterbury and partners Maryann Fletcher and Nancy Klimas of Miami, Fla., Maryann Colvin and her husband, Larry, of St. Marys, W.Va., and Regina Nadicksbernd and her husband, Bill, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; five grandchildren, Cordie, Samantha, Donald, Timothy, and one expected grandson.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25, at Giberson Funeral Home, 40 Maple St., Madison. A Catholic Mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 26, at St. Sebastian Church, 161 Main St., Madison, with Father John Mazzei officiating. A committal service will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Solon.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may me made in Tom's name to Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172, or Disabled American Veterans Memorial Program, P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Giberson Funeral Home, 40 Maple St., Madison, ME 04950.
