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1946
2017
Thomas A. McNulty, beloved husband, brother, uncle, and Marblehead public servant, passed away on November 5, 2017, after a long battle with cancer. He was the third generation of the McNulty family to own and manage the Warwick Cinema. As much as he loved the movie business, Tom was passionately devoted to the Town of Marblehead, as exhibited through a lifetime of public service, which included many leadership roles, including that of Trustee on the Board of the Abbot Public Library, town Selectman for 18 years - 15 of which as the chairman - and as the Town Clerk.
Tom was blessed with a sharp intellect, exceptional oratorical skills, an unfailing sense of humor, and a compassionate heart, all of which he applied as a Selectman and in other roles, with a singular aim - to do whatever he could to support the people and institutions of Marblehead and beyond. Some of his proudest accomplishments include having served as a founding member and as the inaugural president of the Marblehead Dollars for Scholars scholarship fund, leading a sustained town beautification campaign that resulted in placing telephone and power lines underground in "Old Town" Marblehead, and spearheading the program that brought the USS Constitution to Marblehead in celebration of the ship's 200th anniversary in 1997. He was also a lifelong member of the Marblehead Rotary Club, and so dedicated to its humanitarian mission that he served in many leadership roles including that of president.
As passionate and dedicated as he was to his town, nothing surpassed his total love for his bride of 45 years, Deb McNulty, née Deborah Binder. The two met when Deb was 14 and Tom 18, and before long the two were inseparable. Anyone who knew the couple could attest that they retained the rare kind of affectionate delight and devotion to each other that is usually associated with newlyweds. The couple were of one mind in supporting the town, but when the workday ended their capacity to be gracious and generous hosts and faithful friends was legendary. Their home was a place of welcome and love to countless friends and visitors from around town and around the world. Moreover, in their private time, they were aficionado of all things cinema and travelers who delighted in exploring the beauties of many foreign cultures. When Marblehead winters, proved difficult for Tom, he and Deb set up a second home in Sarasota, Florida, and there too, their doors have been opened to friends and family.
Tom is the son of Joan McNulty Horvath of Swampscott, MA, and Robert E. McNulty of Marblehead, both of whom predeceased him. Tom was unstinting in expressing his profound love and admiration for his six siblings and their spouses, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Deborah and her sister, Cheryl Wolff of Charlotte, North Carolina and her children, Laurie Kaplan and Joshua Wolff, as well as his brother Brian A. McNulty and his wife, Donna Malpiede McNulty of Lone Tree, CO, and their children R. Emmett and Mia McNulty; Carole J. McNulty Muller and her husband Lawrence Muller of Marblehead, MA, and their children, Erin Browning and Lindsay Bickell; Janet M. Newman and her husband Jeffrey Newman, and their children, Todd Horvath and Haley Newman; Robert E. McNulty and his wife, Hyesun Park McNulty of Marblehead, MA and their children Joanie and Nora McNulty; Annemarie McNulty Cesa and her husband, Kenneth Cesa of Beverly, MA, and their children, Andrew (deceased), Kevin, and Connor Cesa; and Bruce W. McNulty and his wife Susie Ebarvia McNulty of Oak Park, Il, and their children, Winston, Lily and Rosemary McNulty.
A memorial service in celebration of Tom's life will be held at Abbot Hall on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at 11:30AM. All are welcome. The family respectfully requests that flowers not be sent, but for those so inclined, a donation to Marblehead Dollars for Scholars, would be greatly appreciated. To do so, please visit this link: www.marblehead.dollarsforscholars.org or send a check to Marblehead Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box #4, Marblehead, MA 01945. Donations may be specifically pledged to the Deborah and Thomas McNulty Scholarship. Arrangements by Eustis and Cornell of Marblehead.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Eustis & Cornell Funeral Home.
May 30, 2018
Marilyn Fishman
May 30, 2018
Marilyn Fishman
Remembering your great love story today and always.
May 30, 2018
Thomas McNulty
November 17, 2017
Mitch Michaud
Dear Deb, Annemarie and I were so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We got to know each other some 34 years ago when Tom sponsored me into the Rotary Club of Marblehead. He has been friend ever since.
Mitch & Annemarie Michaud
November 15, 2017
Amy Tate Berenson
No one was more dedicated to giving to and improving upon the town of MHD as Tom. His legacy will be a part of this town's history forever. He will be sorely missed. Our condolences to Deb and all the family.
November 13, 2017
Deb,
I got to know Tom as a newspaper reporter in the 1980s. He was a good and generous man and he inspired some generosity in me - I made a number of contributions to the Marblehead Historical Commission because I knew him. There is an Indian expression (I believe), namaste, which means that which is divine in me greets that which is divine in you, and I would say without any reportorial irony that that word applied to me and the friendship I had with him.
Jack Butterworth
November 13, 2017
Neil Harrington
Dear Deb,
I was so sorry to hear about Tom's passing, but I count myself among many, many people who had the good fortune to have known him and to have experienced his great love of life, of you, and of all things Marblehead. He was such a genuine person who gave so selflessly to others. I will never forget that unique belly laugh, his straightforwardness, and his humility. Surely, he will be rewarded for having led such a purposeful life. I offer my sincere sympathy to you and the entire extended McNulty family.
November 13, 2017
Friend
Patty Commoss
Ken and I were saddened to learn recently of Tom's passing and send our heartfelt condolences to you and the family. His life touched so many people in wonderful ways, known and unknown. Please take some measure of comfort from all of us who will be forever grateful for his kindness, dedication and wise counsel.
November 12, 2017
Tim & Alice Clarke
Deb
We are so fortunate to have spent time with you both. McNultys = fun. Tom lived a very full life and you both contributed so much to the communities of the North Shore.. We all wish we had more time with him. Tom is firmly in our memories always bringing a smile.
Our thoughts to you and your family.
November 10, 2017
Joe Mulroy
Deb, We are sorry to hear about Tom. Having been a part of the family for my whole life, you and Tom were always kind and always had a smile for me. So many memories will be what I will cherish of you guys. Wishing you peace Deb in the days and weeks to come and my love to you and the rest of my McNulty family.
November 10, 2017
Acquaintance
Tracey McGonagle
Tom was one of the first people I met at Dr. Jackson's office back in 1986! I had just moved back from Switzerland and Tom made me feel welcome. Going to the Warwick or just bumping into Tom and Deb around town, was always fun. He had an incredible memory! I saw Tom this summer on the Corinthian porch having dinner...still with a big smile on his face. I'll miss you Tom.
November 10, 2017
HARRY ECONOMOU
Dear Deb and McNulty family,
Tom always had a smile for everyone. His love for his family and for Marblehead was endless. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
November 10, 2017
Leslie Goldberg
Dear Deb and McNulty family,
We were so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We are sending our heartfelt condolences and hope that you gain comfort from wonderful memories of Tom.
Love, Leslie and Michael Goldberg
November 10, 2017
Gretchen Vona Pierce
Oh, Deb. I am so very sorry to hear of Tom's passing.
He never met a "stranger" and treated all with his gentle kindness and that twinkle in his eyes.
I will remember him with sadness and joy.
Hugs to you and all the family.
Gretchen VONA Pierce.
November 9, 2017
Mark DeNies
I will miss swapping stories with him when I'd see him on my annual 4th of visits to town. My condolences.
November 9, 2017
Dave millett
To Deb and all the McNulty clan. Our deepest condolences. So many memories of assisting Tom and his boards on so many occasions. So many discussions as he and I walked to the bank between shows. So many thoughts of him are running thru my mind. The end of an era. Bless you all. Dave and Maryann Millett
November 9, 2017
Barbara Hitchcock
Dear Deb and family I have so many special memories. I loved our long talks about Marblehead, travel and maybe even politics. Tom was a special person how lucky you were to have so many wonderful years together. May all those memories help you through this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Barb
November 9, 2017
Peg & Ken Bassion
Dear Deb, We will miss Tom's smiling face around Marblehead. He was always kindhearted and devoted to this town. We shared many Democratic laughs & some tears. We grieve with you as does the entire town of Marblehead. With love, Peg & Ken Bassion
November 9, 2017
Joyce and Chuck Gigante
Dear Deb and all of the family,
We hope you will keep the best memories of Tom close to your heart.
Our warmest affection,
Joyce and Chuck
November 9, 2017
Dear Deb and the McNulty family, how very sorry we are to hear of Tom's passing. I treasure all the memories of Tom growing up on Chestnut St with the rest of the McNulty family. Love to all. Josie & John Crowley
November 9, 2017
Herb Kolodny
Dearest Deb,
Yvonne and I send our condolences. We stand beside you as we mourn Tom's passing. His memory will last in all our hearts for generations to come. May you find comfort as you celebrate his life and all the wonderful deeds you did together with him. Few of us can claim half of the contributions he made to making this a better world or making Marblehead a better place for all those he left behind.
November 8, 2017
Anthony and Jo Ann Silva
Dear Deb,
Yours was a love story beyond compare. Please know that you are in our hearts.
Fondly, Anthony and Jo Ann
November 8, 2017
Tom was the epitome of a true "MARBLEHEADER!!" He cared for us and we all cared for Tom. Debbie, although I am very saddened by the news, I want you to know that we all lucked out by being a part of Tommy's life. My Dad especially had that very special relationship with Tom while alive...perhaps they will be together again in heaven. I just want you to know that we care! Biff, Helena and Faxon Michaud
November 8, 2017
John & Cassandra Fedas
Tom .....we barely knew you we live side-by-side for years but you always treated me and my family and especially my dog Cutter with respect and love.
You will be sorely missed....you were above all a jewel and an asset to this town and they need you now more than ever.
November 8, 2017
Lauren Jastremski
Deb.....It was an honor to have known you and Tom. Your dedication to the people of and the well-being of Marblehead is legendary. May Tom Rest in Peace and may you find comfort in all of your happy memories.
November 8, 2017
Deborah(Santerre) Frongillo and Family
Deb and all of Tom's Family my deepest condolences for your loss. What a great guy he was. Always so caring about the town and the people. Will never forget him. Hugs to you all.
November 8, 2017
Friend
Steven Janko
May your cherished love and memories of Tom remain close to your hearts. Our love and prayers go out to the extended family mourning your loss.
Steve and Kathie Janko
November 8, 2017
Arleen & Jim Barnes
Deb,
Sorry for your loss. You may or may not remember us.
But, regardless, we remember both you and Tom from our days living in Maarblehead. You both were always friendly and outgoing. And, needless to say, both pillars of the town. Tom will be missed by all.
November 8, 2017
To Deb and the entire McNulty family, we send warmest condolences. Tom was a pillar of Marblehead, a very big presence, a generous and affectionate man, with a royal sense of humor. How we will miss him in Marblehead.
Francie King
Bob Erbetta
November 8, 2017
Bob Baker
The title of an award-winning movie aptly describes Tom McNulty's contributions to his beloved Town of Marblehead -- Giant.
November 7, 2017
Rhonda Madow Kabat
To the entire McNulty family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Tom's passing.
I remember him as far back as when he first met Debbie!
Clearly he will continue to be loved as he lives on in the hearts and minds of his family and all who ever knew him.
With my heartfelt condolences,
November 7, 2017
Laurie Tobin
Deep condolences from the Tobin family. Tom was a friendly presence at the movies and around town. We will miss him.
November 7, 2017
Joanne Scott
Dear Deb:
Tom was a gem of a man and a gift to all who shared their journey with him for a moment or a lifetime.
I will miss him.
November 7, 2017
So sorry for your loss. I remember Tom from the Post Office and from around town. Great person and a true Header. He will be missed. Robert Moore(formally from Mhead)
November 7, 2017
Gabrielle Yetter
So very sad to hear this news. Tom performed our wedding ceremony at Abbott Hall eleven years ago, and I will always remember his big smile and warm laugh. A special man who will be missed.
November 7, 2017
Anne Rumpf
A man who was a superlative in life......
November 7, 2017
Jim Lees
So sorry to learn of Tom
November 7, 2017
Laurie Cozad
Dear Deb, Brian, Carol, Janet, Bob, Annemarie, and Bruce, I'm so sorry that you have lost Tom so early in his life--way too early. My heart goes out to all of you. Tom was the patriarch--that's how I will remember him--and his great sense of humor, that and the Tom and Brian brawl over Howdy Doody. Tom was so bright, so vibrant, and there are so many people, as you all know, that will deeply miss him. Love to all of you, Laurie
November 7, 2017
So sorry about your loss.
Larry Markell
November 7, 2017
Neighbor
Don Orne
A life to be proud of- thank you
November 6, 2017
Jack & Linda Paster
To the McNulty family:
Our sincere condolences on Tom's death. Nothing more needs to be said other than he was a great guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God hold Tom in the hollow of his hand and may his soul be bound up in the Book of Life for all eternity. Rest in peace, dear friend.
November 6, 2017
Lisa Dierdorff
So many warm memories. Hugs to all of the McNulty family.
November 6, 2017
Family
Ken Cesa
Coffee and conversation with Tom on many late Saturday morning visits this past year was a true gift from the heavens . There is never enough time .
November 6, 2017
Sheri Curley Shattuck
Dear Deb and the entire McNulty clan... this is a very sad day in so many ways... I am grateful that I have so many wonderful memories of this guy... the memories make me smile... he was somethin' special... sending love and hugs to you all...
Sheri
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