Thomas M. Tully, Jr., of Rockland, passed away on April 5, 2015, at the age of 69. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on October 23, 1945, he was the son of Thomas M. Tully, Sr. and Harriet (Palmer). He and his family moved to Rockland in the early 1950s. He graduated in 1964 from Rockland High School, where he participated on both the track and the football teams. A strong athlete, Tom was instrumental in his football team's winning the State Championship his senior year.

Soon after graduation Tom enlisted in the Army. He served with distinction in both the 101st and the 82nd Airborne divisions, completing one tour in Vietnam. Tom was a talented artist with a passion for drawing. Throughout his adult life his sketches sought the beauty of individuals, as well as that of nature. Upon occasion his drawings would depict his experiences in Vietnam, and he was highly praised for the compassion that his art portrayed. A lover of music, Tom would often raise his beautiful Irish tenor voice in song. Tom also had a great love of the outdoors. Whether growing flowers, planting trees and bushes or hiking mountain trails, he was enthralled by all the beauty that nature offers.

Tom always took the opportunity to tell his friends and his family how much he loved them. He would constantly find ways of complimenting those he cared about, making them feel special. He was fiercely, unwaveringly proud of his family.

Predeceased by his parents and his brother James, Tom is survived by his wife, Jeanne, his daughter Lauren, his son Brendan and daughter-in-law Alexandra, his grandchildren Sophia, Theodore, Katharine, his grand-dog Rocky, his nieces, nephews, and his cousin Michael. His family and friends will very much miss his presence in their lives.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Baystate Franklin Medical Center and Charlene Manor Nursing Home, as well as Hospice of Franklin County, for their warmth and sensitivity throughout Tom's illness. The family is also extremely grateful to Dr. Landis Mitchner and Paula Smith, LICSW Team Leader (retired from the Army) for the several years of support they showed him.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, April 18, at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union St., Rockland, from 12-1:30, followed by a service to celebrate Tom's life. Burial will be private. If desired, memorial donations to assist other veterans dealing with PTSD may be made to: Brockton Vet Center, 1041 Pearl St., Brockton, MA 02301.