Thomas H. Ghent, 79, of Rocky Hill, the beloved husband of Barbara Ghent for 26 glorious years, passed away early Wednesday morning after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer at St. Francis Hospital. Tom was at peace and surrounded by the ones that meant the most to him, his family.

Tom, was a one-of-a-kind soul who loved to travel, bowl, play cards, collect Santa Clauses and do crossword puzzles…in ink! But his two biggest passions in life were his family and sports. In particular he loved his New York Rangers, New York Giants, New York Yankees, and UConn Huskies. He was also a Lifetime member of the Middletown Elks Lodge #771 and was a P.E.R.

Tom was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the United States Air Force. He remained patriotic and loved his country until his last day. Tom and his family would like to thank our military for the service and dedication they provide all of us every day so we can live freely.

Tom also worked for many years at 7-Eleven in both Newington and South Windsor, making numerous friends in his many years until his retirement 12 years ago. Tom would like those friends to know he has never forgotten any of you and spoke of those friendships until his very last day. During Covid, Tom and Barb would go to Westside Market in Rocky Hill early on Sundays. In those early shopping days Tom made numerous friends with both shoppers and Westside Market employees. To the ladies at the deli on Sunday morning and Sandy the cashier thank you for your friendship and for brightening both of their days.

Tom will be missed deeply by a family that treasures him. He leaves behind his wife, his one true love, Barbara Ghent of Rocky Hill, one son, Brian Ghent of Lake View, SC, his favorite daughter-in-law Crystal Hodge-Ghent and his adored grandson, Gavin Ghent both of Lake View, SC. He also leaves behind one sister Judith Silver of Loxahatchee FL, his best friends of 40+ years Frank and Paula Tranchina and so many nieces and nephews that he loved more than anything. He is predeceased by his father Harold Ghent and mother Loretta (Pianka) Ghent and his brother William Ghent.

Tom's family would like to extend the deepest thanks and gratitude to the entire medical team at St. Francis Hospital, with a special heartfelt thank you to the team and staff on the 8-1 Oncology floor. You are an extraordinary group that provided special care to not only Tom but his entire family. The care and love you showed us all is special and you are changing lives. We will be forever grateful for your love and care.

We will miss his smile, his laugh, his knowledge and his undying zest for life. Go Huskies!

Visitation will be held on Monday (Jan. 20th) from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown.  His Funeral Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, following the visitation.  Burial will be at the CT State Veterans' Cemetery at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thomas' memory to St. Vincent de Paul Middletown, P.O. Box 398, Middletown, CT 06457. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.