Obituary: Thomas F. Siopes, Retired Andover Police Lieutenant

Obituary from McDonough Funeral Home.

METHUEN, MA - Thomas F. Siopes, 69, of Methuen, MA, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 24, 2015 at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, MA.

Thomas was born on May 7, 1946 in Boston and was a son of the late Demitrios Siopes and the late F. Bertelle (Tibbetts) Siopes. He was raised in Dorchester, where he attended St. Matthew’s School. He later attended St. Joseph’s High School in Lowell and then continued on to graduate from Marist Prep School in Cold Springs, NY. He graduated from UMass Lowell with a degree in Criminal Justice and received his Master’s Degree from New England School of Law.

After volunteering to serve with the United States Army, he honorably served as a part of a special strike force for all of Southeast Asia known as “The Sky Soldiers.” In two incredible acts of heroism, he deliberately risked his life to save the lives of other men. Thomas was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with ‘V’ Device for ‘Valor’, the Silver Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Air Medal. The Republic of Vietnam also awarded him four medals, including the Gallantry Cross.

Thomas was honorably discharged on August 29, 1969 and continued on to serve with the Andover Police Department for 37 years, retiring as Lieutenant in 2011. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, riding his motorcycle, and cooking. Thomas also enjoyed taking his family and friends on his boat to go fishing and spending quality time together. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in North Andover, Post 2104.

Thomas is survived by his four daughters, Dianna Howe of Manchester, NH, Alysson Siopes of Rye, NH, Joan Siopes and her fiance, Cornelius Stanford of North Carolina, and Jillian McCarthy of Methuen; and his grandchildren, McKenzie, Logan, and Connor Howe all of Manchester, NH. He is also survived by his siblings, Paul J. Siopes and his wife, Jeanne of Tyngsboro, Demetra M. Phair and her husband, Charles of Chelmsford, Bertelle Copley and her husband, Robert of Williamsburg, VA, William X. Siopes and his wife, Susan of Tyngsboro, Keith Siopes and his wife, Florence of Novi, MI, and Kim Pekkala and her husband, Richard of Austin, TX. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Thalia Higgins of Methuen, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
He was also the father of the late Thomas Demitrios Siopes, who passed away in 1983, and brother of the late James Siopes, who passed away in 2007.

Calling hours will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30. On Thursday, his funeral will begin at 8 a.m. at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland St., Lowell. A funeral Mass will be held at 9 a.m. at St. Mary Parish, 25 North Road, Chelmsford, and burial will be in Lowell Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 150 Cambridge Park Drive, Suite 202, Cambridge, MA 02140 or online.