"Thomas and Eloise just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. He is, also, survived by brothers-in-law, Maurice Lauzier and his wife Helen and Michele Lauzier, along with a nephew, nieces, great-nieces and one great, great niece. He will, also, be missed by his beloved pets Merlin "Melvin" and Hobo "Floppy". He is a graduate of Our Lady of Providence Seminary High School and received a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Political Science from Rhode island College.
Thomas had a multi-faceted career and life. First and foremost, he was an extraordinary entertainer, including magic, escapes, pickpocketing, mentalism and hypnotism performing around the world. He was featured in numerous periodicals, news and television shows around the country. He was nominated for Lecturer of the Year at the prestigious Magic Castle. The Harvey Award was bestowed upon him by the Invisible Lodge and he held numerous world records, one of which is on permanent display at the Guinness World Record Museum in Niagara Falls, Canada. He was a member of the Magic Circle of London, Magic Castle of California, New England Magic Collector's Association, Society of American Magicians, International Brotherhood of Magicians, International Escape Artists and the elite FFFF(Fechter's Finger-Flicking Frolic). On May 23, 2011, he received his very own Ripley's Believe It Or Not! cartoon for the fastest escape from handcuffs underwater. He was, also, a former member of the Friars Club in New York.
He was a former personality(Tommy J) on local radio and announcer for the former Newport Grand Jai Alai.
Among his other life time achievements, he was an accomplished ten pin bowler, an avid duck pin bowler and member of the National Duckpin Association, as well as, author of several books on magic and non-magic related.
He was a Freemason including being a Past Worshipful Master of Daylight Lodge, Thrice Illustrious Master of Council, Excellent High Priest of Chapter and Commander of the local chapter of the Swords of Bunker Hill and National Quartermaster for the Swords.
He studied various martial arts throughout his life. He held a black belt in Tsuyoi Tora Ryu Ju Jitsu and was a trained Reiki II Therapist.
Thomas had a thirst and love for learning new skills anxiously awaiting to test run them on his wife, once perfected. He was, also, well known for making the fastest balloon dog which can be attested to by numerous wait staff at local restaurants he and his wife frequented. He always had a "pocket full of magic". He was a generous and loving soul and will be missed dearly. Flowers are welcome, as well as, donations to the RISPCA.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, Cranston at 12 p.m. VISITING HOURS are Tuesday 5-8 p.m. Burial will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.
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