Thomas J. Clukey
CLUKEY, Thomas J., 59, PRESQUE ISLE, May 1, 2013. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Homes, Presque Isle.
PRESQUE ISLE – Thomas J. Clukey, 59, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at The Aroostook Medical Center, Presque Isle, surrounded by his loving wife, family and closest friends. Tom was born on September 18, 1953, in Presque Isle, the son of Clyde and Bertha (Ferland) Clukey.
Tom graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1971 and attended the University of Maine at Presque Isle and Northern Maine Community College.
In 1972, Tom opened the first branch store for Brake Service and Parts in Presque Isle. From 1972 until 1983, he served in various capacities for Brake Service in Presque Isle and Bangor, including district sales representative, warehouse manager, and sales manager In 1983, he moved to Boston to establish the heavy duty division of New England Wheel and Rim. In 1984, he moved back to Presque Isle and together with his family they opened Clukey’s Auto Supply. Today, Clukey’s Auto Supply has stores operating in Presque Isle, Caribou and Houlton.
Tom was very active in the community and always was willing to help where he was needed. He was involved as a member and past president of the Walker Siding Snowmobile Club, former director and manager of the Fort Fairfield Rotary, former member and director of the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, and a 20-plus year member BPOE Lodge of Elks in Presque Isle.
Tom was a mason and member of Trinity Lodge No. 130 AF&AM of Presque Isle, the Scottish Rite Bodies of Bangor, Maine Consistory 32 degree Valley of Portland, Past President and life member of the Aroostook Shrine Club and a life member of the many Anah Shrine Clubs. He was one of the founding members and Past President of the Anah Indy’s. He was a member and past director in 2011 of the ROJ Court 150 of Bangor. Tom was appointed a Potentate’s Aide in 1997 by Potenate Ed Pellon and in 2006 was appointed Outer Guard by Potentate Richard P. Hallett.
Tom loved his home on Squa Pan Lake, he loved fishing, being out on the water and entertaining friends on his party boat.
Tom is survived by his loving wife and soul mate, Gail (Madden) Clukey; his sons, Dana Lovell and his wife, Joann of Gilford, Kyle Rideout of Dover, and Jason Trask of Presque Isle. He is survived by his sisters and their spouses, Barbara and Stanley Plisga of Eddington, and Cindy and Hubert Embelton of Hermon. In addition, he is survived by his niece and nephews, Kristen Perry and her family of Orrington, Matthew Packard and his family of Farmington, and Jared Embelton of Boston. Tom will be sadly missed by his loving family and his faithful dog, Marley. He will also be missed by his numerous special friends, too many to name, and acquaintances that enjoyed making many memorable moments with him.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, and his brother, Dick Clukey.
Friends and family called on Monday, May 6, from 4-8 p.m. at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, May 7, at 10 a.m. with the Most Reverend John Paul Labrie officiating. Interment followed services at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Presque Isle. Following committal services, a reception was held at the Aroostook County Shriner’s Hall on the Houlton Road in Presque Isle. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Shriner’s Hospital, P.O. Box 735, Bangor, ME 04402-0735. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.duncan-graves.com
