“ I must be traveling on now, Cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see, And this bird you cannot change. The Lord knows I can’t change. I’m as free as a bird now” Lynyrd Skynyrd Thomas Joseph Belanger (Tinker), 64, of Holyoke, passed away on May 20, 2025 after a lengthy and courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma surrounded by family. Tom was born October 13, 1960 in Holyoke to the late Rene F. and Janet (Peck) Belanger. He was a 1978 graduate of Holyoke Catholic High School where he played football and track and field. He then went on to attend Norwich University in Northfield, VT and Holyoke Community College where he volunteered as a disc jockey for the college’s radio station. He was employed for over 20 years at the Phillips and the October Companies in Easthampton. Toms’ activities included fishing, bird watching, feeding the birds, NASCAR and Football. He was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins, now the Commanders, since a young boy watching #9 Sonny Jurgensen on black and white TV with our Dad. Tom was considered the best fan north of the Mason Dixon Line per former player Joe Jacoby. He wore his burgundy and gold with pride everywhere he went. Tom will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his three siblings: Rene D. Belanger and wife Mary of Cape Charles, VA, Sandra A. Belanger of Holyoke and Patricia S. Wolohan and husband Daniel of Shrewsbury, MA, along with six nephews, a niece and his cousins. Besides his parents, Tom was predeceased by Megan and Madison Wolohan, William C. Rochford II, William and Lorraine (Belanger) Rochford, and Donald V. Belanger. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the care and compassion Tom received at Whitney Place in Northborough, Brookhaven Hospice Care, as well as Rose Monahan Hospice House in Worcester. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Tom’s name to the Rose Monahan Hospice House 10 Judith Street Worcester MA or the American Cancer Society. Family and Friends are invited to gather for Memorial calling hours on Thursday June 19 from 9-10:30 AM at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Blessed Sacrament Church at 11 AM. Burial will follow at St. Jerome’s Cemetery.