Mr. Thomas MacMillan

Thomas MacMillan, 69, of Pittsfield, passed away on February 13, 2025, after a brief illness. Born on July 19,1955, Thomas was the beloved son of Gavan and Ellen MacMillan. Tom grew up at a very different time for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. He had no opportunity for education in local schools. In 1962, at the age of seven, he went to live at Belchertown State School. Tom’s family visited him regularly, often bringing elaborate meals to share with him on picnics by the Quabbin Reservoir or taking him out for lunch or ice cream. Tom lived at Belchertown for nineteen years. He always remained connected to his family. In 1981, Tom returned to Pittsfield to live in a newly established community residence. He became a leader in the community living movement for people with intellectual disabilities. He was among the first residents of Belchertown State School to move back to his hometown, close to his family once more. For nearly 44 years, Tom has lived with dignity in a place where he was truly at home. Tom took great enjoyment in fine food, lawn bowling, stories of romance in films, and music of all kinds – Scottish bagpipers, Canadian fiddlers, and the Beatles, to name just a few. He loved animals and he hosted a large aquarium of fish in his room. Tom was predeceased by his parents, his sister Gail MacMillan of Stowe, Vermont, and his brother A.J. MacMillan of Pittsfield, who passed away earlier this month. Tom leaves his brother Carl MacMillan of Toronto, Canada, his nieces Mary Ellen MacMillan of Middletown, New York and Audrey Lorusso (husband Brandon) of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and their mother, Joan Walter MacMillan of Rye, New Hampshire. He is survived by a grand niece, Carsen Lorusso, and a grand nephew, Marcus Lorusso, as well as a legion of aunts, uncles and cousins in the U.S. and Canada. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Thomas MacMillan will be Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 11am at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. There will be a visitation at the funeral home on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 4pm to 6pm. A private burial will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Berkshire County ARC in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Thomas MacMillan

July 19, 1955 - February 13, 2025