Thomas Edward Vlack, 68, of Plaistow, NH, entered eternal rest on December 30, 2024 after a tough battle of Acute Myeloid Leukemia that was discovered just weeks before.

He was born on May 3, 1956, in Fort Devens, Massachusetts, he was a devoted husband to Patti Vlack, a loving father to Andrew and Alyson and a father-like mentor to his grandkids Caleb and Dominick.

After living his earlier years in Newton, Massachusetts Tom moved to Plaistow, New Hampshire where he would settle and create a lifetime of memories. Tom graduated from Timberlane High School in 1974 with perfect attendance, which would foreshadow his willingness to give back to the community later in his life. After high school Tom went on to study English at Merrimack College where his wide knowledge of English and History would excel. Throughout Tom's life, he was able to have a conversation with anyone at any time, especially about topics involving sports, history and politics. Tom had an incredible memory and often would continue conversations from the last time he spoke with someone like no time had passed. Tom was set up on a blind date by his mother and future sister-in-law, and met the true love of his life, Patti, at first sight. Just six months after their first date Tom and Patti were married and lived a committed life together. Through every joy and struggle, they stuck by each other's side. Through 41 years of marriage, they created a family bringing their daughter and son, Alyson and Andrew, into the world and cared for their two grandsons, Caleb and Dominick. Tom loved family day trips all over New England, and would often take them to historic sites and World War Two exhibits, car shows, as well as eat at Skips Snack Bar. In the summer Tom would frequent Sunset Lake as well as spend hot days out at the pool, which was his favorite place to be. While Tom spent a great amount of time with friends and family, he loved to work as well. Tom spent many years of his life working at Lucient Technologies. He then went back to Timberlane to do what he loved to do most, assisting and advocating for others to be a substitute teacher. He became a Paraprofessional for the Special Education Department where he touched many students' lives to ensure they could succeed in school. He was loved by the student body as well as the staff in the district. It was clear that he was always there for the benefit of the students as he would provide additional support as well as coach the football team. Though he loved being a coach in general, it is important to note how much he cherished coaching Andrew, Caleb and Dominick. When Tom was not coaching, his heart was divided between the thrill of the game of any sport and the lessons of the past, as he found joy in both sports and history. In 2008 Tom witnessed the raising of the Celtics championship banner then watched the Winter Classic hockey game at Fenway in 2010. He also watched numerous Lowell Spinners games and never left a conversation about sports. Whether it be history or current day politics, Tom never missed discussion about events around the world and US history. Over the last month, Tom has received well wishes from hundreds of people showing that his kindness touched the lives of many people and brought lasting impressions to all that knew him. The world was a better place with Tom here, making the ordinary moments extraordinary.

Tom is survived by his wife Patti, daughter Alyson, grandsons Caleb and Dominick, brothers James Vlack and his wife Annie, and Robert Vlack and his wife Angie; sisters Diana Readon and her husband Michael, Cheryl Wheeler and her husband John, and Laura Bilodeau and her husband David; and stepfather Tom Repczynski as well as several nieces, and nephews.

He was sadly predeceased by his son Andrew, and mother GraceAnn (Lepore) Repczynski.

Family and friends are invited to attend Tom's Celebration of Life on Sunday, January 12th at 2pm at the First Baptist Church in Plaistow, NH. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mercy Street ℅ First Baptist Church 122 Main St, Plaistow NH, 03865.