Obituary of Thomas P. Hackett

It is with great sadness that we announce Thomas Patrick Hackett, of Cheshire CT, passed away peacefully Thursday morning on September 1, 2016. He was surrounded by his loving family during his final days. He was the husband of Mary Elizabeth Andresen Hackett, who passed Oct. 17, 2015. He is survived by his beloved brother, Clifford Paul Hackett. Born on May 10, 1927 to Thomas J. Hackett and Christine Walters of 17 Hillside St., West Haven CT. Tom prepared at West Haven High School and graduated in 1944. At 17, too young to enter the armed services, he attended New Haven Junior College 1944-1945 to take courses in civil engineering. Later, deciding that calculus and he did not agree with one another, his parents finally allowed him to enter the US Naval Service at 17 as a Seaman First Class coming at the tail end of WWII. He was assigned to the USS Naval destroyer Kretchmer and sent to the Pacific. Honorably discharged in 1946, Tom received the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, and the Victory Medal. Entering Yale University in 1946 he played on baseball and hockey teams, graduated in 1950, and received his BA in Economics. He went on to Yale Law School, graduated in 1953, admitted to the bar, and began practice as a trial lawyer for the New Haven Railroad. Tom married his college sweetheart, Mary Elizabeth Andresen on June 21, 1952. Soon after, the Hacketts moved to Cheshire in 1954 to raise their growing family, lastly of 592 Mountain Rd. Tom continued his practice as a trial lawyer in New Haven and Cheshire, working at law firms and later, individual practice. He is also remembered as an active member in the Cheshire Community, serving on the town’s Board of Education and Town Council for a total of 23 years. His loves included the law (espousing and practicing civil liberties), history (particularly the US constitution), golf, Yale, and Ireland. Most loved of all was his family. Children: Thomas Hackett of Essex Junction, VT, Paul and his wife Regina Hackett of Cheshire, and Patrick and his wife Jennifer Hackett of Cheshire; three daughters Mary Jean and her husband Joseph Crisco of Barrington, RI, Kathryn Hackett-Lima and her husband Tedd Lima of Cheshire, and Maura and her husband Michael Federico of Cheshire; his brother-in law George and his wife Jane Andresen of New Jersey, and his grandchildren Kaleigh, Meghan, Rachel, Michael, Erin, Casey Elizabeth, Patrick, Spencer, Maggie, Tyler, Natalie, Kathleen, Michelle, Joseph, Hannah, Matthew, Sawyer, Cameron, and Chase. Arrangements- A Mass to celebrate his life will be held 10 A.M Tuesday September 6th, 2016 at St. Thomas More Church, 268 Park St, New Haven, CT 06511. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at church. Calling hours will be held in church from 9 A.M until the start of the funeral mass. At the request of his family memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas More. ♣ “I can honestly say I have enjoyed everything I’ve done in this life.” ♣ - Thomas P. Hackett