Thomas G. Lessie
December 14, 1936 - May 05, 2018
Obituary
MADISON--Tom Lessie, age 81, passed away on May 5, 2018, at home. He was born December 14, 1936, in New York City, the son of Thomas and Marie Lessie.Tom attended Brooklyn Technical High School. At Queens College he majored in chemistry and biology. Tom received a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at Harvard University in 1963. Postdoctoral studies took him to Oxford University, the University of Washington, and Purdue University. For most of his career, Tom did research in bacterial physiology and taught microbiology as a professor at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst. He especially enjoyed mentoring graduate students. After retiring in 2002, he and Pat moved to Madison.Tom met his future wife Pat while at Harvard. She was an undergraduate in a class where Tom was the teaching assistant. Tom was a generous, loving husband and father. He treasured his time with his grandchildren. The family will especially miss his wit and curiosity.Tom is survived by his brother Douglas; and by his wife Pat; three children, Erica, Todd, and Robin; and seven grandchildren.The family will gather for a private celebration of life. We are grateful for his excellent care from the Carbone Cancer Center and Agrace HospiceCare. Memorial donations may be made to Attic Angel Association, Agrace HospiceCare, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Avenue
(608)831-6761
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Memories
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Albert LoSchiavo
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I haven't heard Tom's name since we graduated in 1954. But as we were always seated alphabetically we became close school chums. My remembrances of Tom was that of a serious yet fun loving student. He will surely be missed , my condolences to his family.
Albert LoSchiavo
class of 1954
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Zaffar K Haque
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Dr. Lessie was a most dedicated Scientist. He was an approachable Professor, and he took his teaching responsibilities very seriously. In all aspects, Dr. Lessie was a true role model. I pray that he rests in peace. Zaffar K. Haque [UMASS Amherst Microbiology, Class of 1997]
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Susan Leschine
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I have only just now learned of the passing of my dear friend and mentor at UMass Amherst, Tom Lessie. My deepest sympathy to Pat and all of Tom's family. Tom was recognized as an exceptionally gifted & talented teacher and graduate student mentor, and was recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award at UMass. The "Tom Lessie Award for Distinguished Lectureship in Graduate Teaching" was named in his honor. I was especially fortunate to be a beneficiary of Tom's wonderful mentorship as a junior faculty member at UMass. The care & attention he provided to his students & colleagues was invaluable to their success. He is deeply missed. My sincere condolences to his family. Susan Leschine, UMass Amherst.
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Anne Stuart
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Dear Mrs. Lessie, Erica, Todd & Robin, I was so sorry to just hear of Mr. Lessie’s passing in May. You both were wonderful co-workers of my parents ( Dr. ‘s Alastair & Elizabeth Stuart at UMASS) and dear friends of our family. I have wonderful memories of your time in Amherst and the wonderful care you took of me and my brother, Sam when my mom was so very sick. Including nights swimming at the memorial pool and playing board games and listening to the music that filled your home which will continue to live on. Thank You ! Please give my best to everyone and keep in touch. With Sympathy, Anne Stuart Turners Falls, MA
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Phyllis Berman
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Sorry to have just heard about Tom Lessie's passing. I was one of the Graduate Students that he mentored in the early 1980s. He believed in me, and I will always be grateful for that. He could be very hard on slackers, so I'm glad I measured up! He was one of the smartest individuals I have ever known and I learned so much from him. I missed him as soon as he left UMass, no longer the friendly face in Morrill. He definitely earned the rare honor of the title "a gentleman and a scholar." Thanks for his contributions to Science, and for the large role he played in my life.
With sympathy to his family, Phyllis Berman and family from Sunderland, MA