Thomas "Tom" E. Hartmayer

Thomas Edward Hartmayer passed away suddenly in Willimantic, Connecticut on January 1, 2016. He was 64 years old. He was born on April 15, 1951 in Westport, Connecticut, the first born to Edward and Jean Hartmayer, he was the oldest of six children: Elizabeth, Jan, Peter, Michael and John. A talented student, Tom attended Fairfield College Preparatory School and the University of Connecticut, where he studied English. He and his beloved wife, Christina (nAC.e Fazzino) Hartmayer, were long-time residents of Storrs, Connecticut, where Tom was a chess advocate and champion. To quote, Robert Cyr, a good friend of Tom's from the world of chess, "For over forty years, Tom was integrally involved as a steadfast and staunch supporter, tournament director, organizer and coordinator of adult, and particularly scholastic, chess tournaments in Connecticut, especially at the University of Connecticut Chess Club, where he was the chief Tournament Director for decades. Known fondly as Herr Direktor "his vital role in these capacities significantly benefited and enriched the game for players of all ages and levels throughout our community. Tom served on the Connecticut State Chess Association Board of Directors for several years and he worked feverishly as a strong advocate and ambassador for chess in our state. He also had a wealth of knowledge about the rich and diverse history of chess in Connecticut and would often share stories about the good days of chess tournaments in our state from the 1970's through the present." Tom's influence in peoples' lives transcended the chessboard where he helped mentor and enrich the lives of so many he touched, and though never a father in flesh, he was a father to many in spirit. Tom was a successful landscaper and mason for over 35 years and was the owner of Midgard Nurseries in Storrs. Tom loved working out of doors with his landscaping and nursery business and was incredibly knowledgeable about all types of flora and fauna. A true lover of all things green, Tom cared lovingly for his home and land in Storrs. Tom spent many hours on his gardens and trees and tending to the birds and woodland wildlife. Tom was a loving husband, loyal brother and proud uncle. He spent many memorable times with his family. Family and friends are heartbroken to lose their beloved Tommy and he will be dearly missed. Predeceased by his parents, Edward George and Jean Ann Brown Hartmayer of Charlestown, Rhode Island, Tom is survived by his wife of nearly 35 years, Tina, along with his siblings and in-laws: Elizabeth Hartmayer, Jan and Riccardo Abate, Peter and Suzette Hartmayer, Michael and Dorina Hartmayer and John and Ellyn Hartmayer; his niece, Alicia Abate Workiewicz and her husband, Damon Workiewicz; his nieces Alexa, Ally, Lena and Morgan Hartmayer; and his two nephews, Justin Abate and Colin Hartmayer. He also leaves two heartbroken feline companions, Nyah and Naomi. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cornell Feline Health Center, Please make checks payable to Cornell University and send to: Box 39, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401 A Funeral Mass will be said at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 8, 2016 at St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel, 46 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT. Burial will be at 3:00 PM at the Swedish Cemetery, William Street, Portland, CT.