Thomas P. Miguel Sr. age 72 of Somerset, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 at home. He was the husband of Peggy (Marshall) Miguel, with whom he celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary last April.
Born and raised in Fall River, son of the late João A. Miguel and the late Louise (Cordeiro) Miguel, Thomas “Tom” was a graduate of Durfee High School class of 1970. Shortly after, he began working at Leo’s Auto Body, on Alden St. in Fall River, where he learned to work on cars and eventually was the main painter there for 18 years.
In 1971, Tom received a low draft number during the Vietnam War conflict, and instead, enlisted in the US Navy reserves in January of 1972, joining the Seabees where he served his Country for 6 years. He was very proud of his military service, and said many times it was some of the best times of his life. He enjoyed placing flags and wreaths on the graves of veterans in Somerset, including his father João’s, and father-in law William’s. He also helped many other veterans and friends in his neighborhood with fixing their cars throughout the years.
After working at Leo’s, in December of 1986, Tom got a job working for Quality Beverage Inc. in Taunton, MA. He began there as helper on the trucks delivering beer. Eventually, he got his CDL license and worked his way up the seniority ladder until retiring in 2018 near the top of the list, 32 years later. He developed many friends over the years while working there of both co-workers and customers, and although a tough job, he enjoyed it. He refused to get a cell phone, instead, he kept a little black book in his lunch bag of contacts and phone numbers he picked up over the years to get into deliveries before they opened up. He earned a basement wall full of Safe Driver of the Year awards he had displayed and was proud of.
During the 1980’s, Tom got involved in Judo at the Fall River Rec. at the Bank Street Armory, training and competed in tournaments with his sons, working his way up to a brown belt.
Tom was an avid bowler for many years at AMF Somerset, and enjoyed bowling with his 3 sons and friends on Friday nights and Sunday mornings. He was also a coach for the junior bowling league on Saturday mornings in Somerset for a few years, and had a 300 game during practice.
He enjoyed being around animals, and had a soft spot for dogs and cats.
Tom loved fishing and the ocean, especially along the shorelines of Rhode Island. He had some dynamite recipes for fish, clam boil, and stuffed quahogs.
Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family, and his friends in the neighborhood. He was usually the life of the party, loved cracking jokes, and always enjoyed being around people.
In addition to his wife Peggy, Thomas is survived by his three sons Eric T. Miguel (Sara Silvia) of Swansea, Gary T. Miguel, and Thomas P. Miguel Jr. both of Somerset; siblings Sandra Miguel (late husband Dr. Richard H. Messier), John Miguel (wife Claudia), and David B. Miguel (fiancée Shirley Puccio); two beloved grandchildren Nathan & Olivia Miguel; Mother-in-law Dolores Marshall, several sisters and brothers-in-law, and many nieces & nephews.
A visitation for Thomas will be held on Tuesday, January 14th, from 8:30-10:30 A.M. at the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home, 1521 N. Main St., Fall River, followed by a funeral mass in Our Lady of Peace Parish at St. Thomas More Church at 11:00 A.M. Interment in Nathan Slade Cemetery. To send the family Expressions of Sympathy, please click the Guest Book below. You may also light a candle in honor of Thomas. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to: Veterans Association of Bristol County, or the Swansea Animal Shelter.
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