Thomas Joseph Conklin, MD, loving husband and father, died peacefully on November 28, 2017, surrounded by his family. Tom was born in Madison, WI on April 27, 1940 to the late Margaret Sweeney Conklin and John William Conklin, Jr., MD. Tom spent his early years in the Wisconsin farming community of Platteville. The family then moved to New Orleans, LA where Tom graduated from DeLaSalle High School. He attended LSU where he was a four-year basketball letterman, president of the student body, and graduated with honors. Tom then went to LSU Medical School and completed his training in psychiatry at the Institute of Living in Hartford, CT. Following his training, Tom served as a psychiatrist at the Institute of Living, rising to the role of Medical Director. His talent in medical administration was widely respected. Toward the conclusion of his professional career, Tom served for 13 years as the Medical Director and Assistant Superintendent of Health Services at the Hampden County Correctional Center in Massachusetts. Tom was ordained a permanent deacon of the Archdiocese of Hartford in 1988. He served over 20 years of active ministry at St. James Church in Manchester, CT, and later, at St. Margaret Mary Church, South Windsor, CT. Tom was passionate about his service to God and his church community and brought his warm, caring presence to all that he did. He especially enjoyed delivering Sunday homilies, holding RCIA classes, and presiding over baptisms and marriages. Tom is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cheryl G'sell Conklin, and their five children: Thomas Joseph Conklin, Jr., Christopher James Conklin, Elizabeth Ann Congdon (spouse Robert G. Congdon), John William Conklin III (spouse Marta Conklin), Susan Marie Mitchell (spouse John H. Mitchell). He dearly loved his grandchildren Abby Colleen Conklin, Molly Elizabeth Conklin, and their mother Amy Rooney Conklin; Owen Hartley Congdon, Camden James Congdon, Lucia Conklin, Jaime Conklin, Laura Conklin, Keegan Thomas Mitchell, and Clementine Alice Mitchell. He leaves his brother, J. William Conklin, MD of Las Vegas, NV and a large extended family. Tom and Cheryl raised their family in Manchester, CT. When not involved with work or with church activities, Tom treasured time with his family and friends. He was passionate about cooking and known for the gourmet meals he prepared. He loved to travel and was the creative spark for family trip-planning. Standing six foot, ten inches tall, he stood out in the community not only for his height, but for his warm, humorous, and friendly nature. In 2000, Tom and Cheryl moved to Ellington where Tom continued his church involvement and enjoyed singing with the Ellington Seniors. He treasured time with his children and grandchildren and traveling with Cheryl. Calling hours will be held at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St, Manchester, CT 06040 from 4 to 7 PM on Friday, December 1, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Margaret Mary Church, South Windsor, CT on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at church. Burial will follow at Wapping Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Resource Center, where Tom was lovingly cared for over the past 3 years (1261 S. Main St, Plantsville, CT 06479 ) or Holy Family Retreat Center (303 Tunxis Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107). Online condolences can be shared at www.tierneyfuneralhome.com