John T. Coles Iii

John T. Coles III, 64, of Stoneham, MA, passed away at home on March 26, 2020

Tom, or Tommy as he was known to most everyone, was born on December 21, 1955 in Melrose, MA to the late John and Virginia (Greenough) Coles. The family soon moved to Stoneham MA where Tom resided for over 60 years. Tom was the oldest brother to three siblings: Scott Coles and his wife Mary, Carol Giadone and her late husband Anthony Giadone and their daughter Natasha, Mark Coles and his wife Nina and their daughter Linsey. He leaves behind his Aunt Marjorie (Coles) Penny, cousins Jacque Penny and Brad Penny, Uncle Louis Cooper and cousins Chris Murray and Ken Cooper and their families. Tom also leaves behind a very special friend Betty Desrosiers and their daughter Anya whom he loved very much, as well as many close and life long friends.

First and foremost Tom was an artist. His first love was music with Blues guitar being his passion. He would spend hours working to get his technique just right and then show his talent at local open mic nights. He also enjoyed drawing and studying the painting traditions of the old masters.

Tom made his living making and repairing fine furniture, and creating custom wood turnings. He was masterful in his field. One handmade piece of special note was the table on which Doug Flutie signed his contract, as well as a piece he repaired for the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. Many high-end residences in Boston have pieces that Tom created or worked on. He was mostly self-taught and loved learning the techniques that were used by furniture makers in past centuries and the challenge of figuring out how to replicate them. Early on, he combined woodworking and music by making an electric guitar from scratch. Over the years he worked on many other instruments. He was a true craftsman.

Tom never refused anyone who asked for his help. Often his workshop was filled with projects for friends, and those might be finished before a paying customer’s project. He was a kind, generous, and sentimental man with a heart of gold who always sought to do thoughtful deeds for others.

With a lust for adventure and a “let’s see what happens” attitude he took trips by himself to the west coast and to Europe without any real itinerary. Both experiences helped shape his life. In spite of his challenges, Tom never lost his sense of humor, his courage, his curiosity or his love of life. He was one of a kind. He was deeply loved and will surely be missed.

On September 23, 2020 at 1:00 P.M., there will be a burial and graveside memorial honoring Tom.  All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.  Please arrive at Lindenwood Cemetery in Stoneham at 12:45.  From the entrance gate, you will be directed for a procession to the graveside. Please observe Covid-19 distancing and face covering guidelines.  There will be an open invitation for guests to say a few words about Tom, if they so wish.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Please contact the family if you have any questions.  Thank you for sharing in our love for Tom and helping us honor his beautiful memory.