Thomas J. Hanrahan, of Melrose, died on Sept. 24, 2017 at the age of 86. Tom was born in Kilkenny & raised in Limerick, Ireland. He was a graduate of the Model School, where all of his classes were in gaelic and went on to earn his degree from the Cresent College, both in Limerick City. Tom worked for the Limerick Gas Company before coming to the United States at the age of 23 and resided in Melrose since 1965. He worked for TWA Airlines for over 33 years and was an avid gardener & loved to work in his back yard. Tom started the Emerald Isle Social Club in Melrose in 1979 and also started the first youth soccer program in Melrose. He enjoyed swimming at the Melrose YMCA, dancing with his beautiful wife and was an avid Boston Bruins & soccer fan. Tom's family was the most important part of his life and he would take them every summer to Ireland for 3 weeks to spend time with family. He was the beloved husband of the late Emily T. (Heavey) Hanrahan for over 60 years. Loving father of Brenda T. McClure & her husband Scott of Westwood, Sheila M. Higgins & her husband Michael of Peabody, and Sharon A. Cvinar & her husband David of Peabody. Proud grandfather of Jessica, Rachael, Daniel, Stephanie, Jodi, Andrea, and Eric. Caring brother of the late Sean Hanrahan & his wife Imelda, Patrick Hanrahan & his wife Teresa, Marie Molloy & her husband Dominic and Ethel O'Callahan & her husband Donal. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives & friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 27th at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, from 9-10 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend.