Thomas Rolfe

Niantic — Thomas Allen Rolfe, 59, of Niantic, passed away on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.

He was born on July 16, 1959, in New London, the son of Priscilla (Calkins) Rolfe and the late Ernest Rolfe. A 1977 graduate of East Lyme High School, Tom worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator.

In addition to his parents, Priscilla and James Rolfe of Niantic, survivors include his son, Matthew Rolfe of Preston, a daughter, Victoria Rolfe of Norwich, three brothers, Ernest Rolfe of Niantic, James Rolfe and Steven Rolfe both of Pennsylvania, and a granddaughter, Addilynn Rolfe. He was also predeceased by their sister, Laura Gandy.

“If I’d leave here tomorrow Would you still remember me?

For I must be traveling on, now

’Cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see

And if I’d stayed here with you, girl

Well, things just couldn’t be the same

’Cause I’m as free as a bird now

And this bird you cannot change

Bye, bye, baby, it’s been a sweet love

Though this feeling I can’t change

But please don’t take it so badly

’Cause the good Lord knows that I’m to blame

And if I’d stayed here with you, girl

Things just could not be the same

’Cause I’m as free as a bird now

And this bird you cannot change”

— “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday (Feb. 9th) at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic To send the family an online condolence, please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com