Final Salute

Gloucester – On June 27, 2021, Thomas William Lukegord Sr., passed away peacefully at Seasons of Danvers (Mass.) assisted living facility. He was a lifelong Gloucester resident who was married to the late Susan Jane (Pitkanen) Lukegord. They raised three sons, Thomas William Jr., Scott Joseph, and Daniel Jon in their Lanesville home by Plum Cove Beach. Tom was a 41-year member of the Gloucester Police Department, retiring with the rank of sergeant.
Tom was born on July 2, 1931, in New London, Conn., to Joseph and Marcella (Smith) Lukegord. He was the fifth of six children and loved dearly his siblings Mary “Fran” Frances, John “Bud” Anthony, Robert Joseph, Philip Wallace, and Marilyn Hilda. He graduated from Gloucester High School in 1950. Tom worked as an apprentice steam fitter for L.E. Andrews in Gloucester for two years. He then joined the U.S. Naval Reserves. During the Korean War, he served as an active-duty Seabee stationed on Nantucket Island and Grand Turk Island in the Caribbean where he built purifying stations that converted salt water into fresh distilled water. In 1955, Tom was honorably discharged from the service with the rank of Utilitiesman Third Class (U.T.-3). That same year, he passed the police exam and joined the Gloucester Police Department.
While on duty one day, Tom spotted young Sue Pitkanen at Sterling’s Drug Store where she worked as a fountain girl. That night, he told his mother he had found the girl he was going to marry. Tom schemed to meet Sue by issuing her a parking ticket. Upon seeing the ticket on her car’s windshield, Sue burst into tears. Not the reaction Tom had planned for. He forgave the ticket, she forgave him, and in 1958, they wed. Tom and Sue had a wonderful life together, raising their boys, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying their Lanesville home and Sue’s family home in Harrison, Maine.
Tom shared his love of Cape Ann waters, fishing, and boats with his sons, all of whom became expert boaters and fishermen, with Tom Jr. and Dan earning Merchant Mariners credentials. In the late 1980s, Tom reached an important personal milestone by earning his bachelor’s degree from Springfield College.
During his time as a Gloucester police officer, 1955–1996, Tom’s contributions were many. Of note, he was the first on scene of the tragic January 1969 ammonia explosion at the old Quincy Cold Storage that claimed two lives and shook Union Hill to the core. He also helped apprehend two escaped inmates on Pavilion Beach while on detail at the Blynman Bridge. He donned the bridge keeper’s red shirt to hide his police uniform and approached and chased the wanted men until captured.
Sadly, Sue passed away in 1998. Tom stayed in their Lanesville home, enjoying his front porch listening to softball games played at the field across the street or sitting with a cup of black coffee reading the Gloucester Times, doing crossword puzzles, or taking a nap. Tom remained a devoted grandfather to his six grandchildren, taking them to the local park or beach, attending their sporting events and graduations, and sharing holidays with them. His sense of humor and love of a good joke was always evident, giving everyone a good laugh. He was much loved.
Tom is survived by his sister Marilyn Lukegord Richard of Billerica, Mass.; his sister-in-law Nancy Fournier of Dudley, Mass.; his son Tom Jr. and wife Ann of Eliot, Maine, and his son Dan of Hampton, N.H. He is predeceased by his son Scott. He is survived by his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Nicole and Erik Carlson of Danvers and children Avery and Lucas, Brittney and Daniel Brown of Danvers and daughter Hannah, Jillian Lukegord and Matthew Burgess of Gloucester, Teresa Lukegord and Eugene Earley of Manchester, N.H.; and daughters Cianna and Lillianna, and Zac Lukegord and Max Lukegord of Hampton, N.H.; as well as many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Tom leaves his family and friends with enduring love and wonderful memories. The family appreciates greatly the professional medical care and personal support given to Tom and the family over recent years, especially Dr. McManus, Dr. Carabba and his staff, our caring, supportive friend Janie Sweet Rose, and the staff at Seasons of Danvers.

His visiting hours will be held on Friday, July 2, from 4 to 7 p.m., in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA. Family and friends are cordially invited. A memorial service and burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Tom, who loved cats and dogs, to: Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930, capeannanimalaid.org/donate.html. Online condolences may be given at www.greelyfuneralhome.com.
Published on June 30, 2021