Thomas Raymond Gargano, a lifelong resident of Branford, went home to be with his Savior, the Lord Jesus, on Oct. 18 after a month-long illness.

Tom was the son of the late Raymond and Mary Inzero Gargano and he was the husband of the late Kathleen Thompson Gargano. He is survived by his two children, Michael and Carly Gargano, both of Branford, his brothers Donald Gargano, Patrick Gargano and his wife Cheryl, and Paul Gargano, and his sister Linda Gargano, all of Branford. He leaves behind in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom loved Tom dearly.

Tom was the owner of TR Decorating and he was highly skilled in his craft. He was very much in demand by professional decorators and was often called to do painting and papering of homes in Manhattan, Greenwich, and Fairfield County. When it came to selecting colors, Tom’s eye was among the best.

During his life, Tom enjoyed many pursuits. When he enjoyed something, he threw himself fully into the pursuit of that hobby. As a young man he had a passion for cars, but his interest in Chevrolet Chevelle SS’s never waned. From a young age Tom enjoyed fishing. When the striped bass were running, he could be found at all hours on the banks of the Branford River and later in life enjoyed fishing and cruising trips on his boat with family and friends.

Tom had many talents. He made furniture, painted with both oil and water colors, and he enjoyed photography. Gardening was always an interest of his and in recent years he began to grow orchids. Tom was an active member of the Connecticut Orchid Society and he enjoyed traveling to orchid shows and entering his own orchids in shows as well. His growing and display skills were such that he received many awards when he entered those shows. Tom also was proficient in making flower arrangements and he used this talents to arrange the flowers for the weddings of several friends and relatives.

Tom was a man of great faith. He was a member of the Branford Evangelical Free Church for many years. During his time there he served as an elder and eventually as church chairman, a job he did very well. He was a man of prayer and he could often be found in the church sanctuary listening to music and praying. For several years he was in charge of the church’s monthly prayer time. Much of the church bears the touch of Tom’s decorating skills and he volunteered many hours to make sure that the church looked wonderful. In recent years he helped during the Saturday night service, serving in the church sound booth running both sound and projection.

Tom always was generous with his time, his talents, and his tools. Tom assisted many friends and family members with projects that he made look easy. He was greatly loved by all who know him and he will be greatly missed.

Friends called on Oct. 25 at BEFree Church, 231 Leetes Island Rd., Branford. Services were also conducted at BEFree Church on Oct. 27. A reception followed and burial was private.

Gifts in Tom’s memory may be directed to the following charities: The Gengras Center, 167 Asylum Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117; World Vision, PO Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063; or BEFree Church, 231 Leetes Island Rd., Branford, CT 06405

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