Thomas Nicholas Steichen, 82, formerly of Woonsocket, died Sept. 22, 2018, due to heart complications.

A memorial service was held on Sept. 29 at Daniel’s Family Funeral Services in the Wyoming Chapel in Albuquerque, N.M. The service was followed by inurnment at Sandia Memory Gardens. A gathering at Papa Felipe’s to celebrate Thomas’ life followed the inurnment.

Thomas was born on June 14, 1936 in Woonsocket to Nicholas and Frances Steichen. He grew up on their family’s farm as the youngest of eight children: Carl, Lucy, Bernard, Leonard, Edward, Harry and Margaret. He attended Woonsocket High School where he fell in love with Betty Vallen.

Upon graduation, in 1955, Thomas joined the army and served in the Korean War as an artillery gunner. After his two years of service, he returned to Woonsocket. He married Betty on Sept. 2 1957. 

Thomas worked in the printing business as an editor and publisher for various newspapers in South Dakota. In 1968, he and his family moved to Farmington, N.M., where he worked at the Farmington Daily Times until he began his career in real estate in 1972. He opened his own business, Steichen Realty, and worked for multiple real estate companies throughout New Mexico until he retired. In retirement, he worked as a crossing guard at Double Eagle Elementary until his death. He was affectionately known as “Mr. Tom” and was famous for bringing candy for every child on the holidays.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; brother, Leonard; three sons, Craig, Brian and Keith; and three grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family would prefer donations to the American Heart Association.