Thomas B. Shultis Sr., 70, of Great Barrington passed away Feb. 28, 2018, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born June 1, 1947, to Sidney and Martha Shultis. He was a graduate of the former Searles High School class of 1966. Tom spent several years employed by the telephone company and later joined his father-in-law, Alfred Beligni, and brother-in-law Mike Beligni at B+S Tire Company in Great Barrington. He later became sole proprietor of the company until his retirement in 2013. Tom was a member of St. Peter’s Church and of the Masonic Temple. His favorite pastime was playing golf with his three best friends Bob Hammer, Ronnie Bernoit and Bruce Morelli. He and his wife, Patricia, were high school sweethearts and spent 54 wonderful years together raising their four children.
Tom is survived by his wife, Patricia (Beligni) Shultis, daughter Cheryl Broderick, son Michael Shultis and wife Gina (Salvato) Shultis, and son Thomas Shultis Jr., all of Great Barrington; daughter Heather Wheeler and husband Robert Wheeler of Bradenton, Florida; his seven grandchildren: Danielle, Cole, Ericca, Justin, Ryan, Ben and Bobby; two great-granddaughters: Alexis and Nevaeh; mother-in-law Virginia Beligni; brother-in-law Michael Beligni and wife Debbie and niece Lexi Beligni; and his loving dog, Marley.
Funeral services for Thomas B. Shultis Sr. will be held Monday, March 5, at 10 a.m. with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at St. Peter’s Church in Great Barrington with Rev. William P. Murphy, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME, 33 South St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Tom’s memory may be made to either HospiceCare in the Berkshires or St. Peter’s Church Restoration Fund in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
Editor’s note – After the publication of the obituary, the family issued the following statement: The Shultis family sincerely regrets failing to mention Thomas Shultis Sr.’s long time service with the Great Barrington Fire Department and as a Police Officer for the Great Barrington Police Department for a few years. Tom took great pride in his service with his brothers in both departments.
