Thomas Charles DeVylder

Thomas DeVylder, age 67, of Southington, passed away unexpectedly at his home Sunday, January 19, 2025, on his daughter’s birthday, with his fur-babies at his side, while his family was away for the weekend. It was discovered after a private autopsy that Tom passed away from Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy, a rare, genetically inherited, cardiac abnormality that can cause sudden cardiac death. This genetic disorder remained undiagnosed for Tom over his 67 years, even with routine visits to the cardiologist. Tom was born on February 20, 1957 in Waterbury, son of the late Edgar Sr. and Lillian (Cordett) DeVylder.

 Tom (better known as “Da” by family and some close friends) grew up on rolling acres of the DeVylder family apple orchard in Cheshire and attended the town’s schools. Tom was an incredibly hard worker and spent the majority of his life outperforming and well exceeding sales expectations for companies like Food Enterprise, Victoria Packing and most recently, Sysco. Tom retired from his position as Regional Sales Manager for Fresh Point (Sysco) in Hartford in 2020, where he sold produce to all major cruise lines out of New York and New Jersey, and departed for his greatest role, as full time Grandpa. Tom was a well-loved face for over 20 years, serving up his award-winning margaritas and social commentary at Aunt Chilada’s in Hamden. He had the amazing ability to befriend just about anyone with his kind nature, and was so proud to talk about his family and his work. He was an avid golfer, a New York Yankees fan and cheered for the Green Bay Packers. Da loved making Thanksgiving dinner which included the best stuffing you've ever had in your life, and Christmas Lasagna which only came in one size - HUGE, and an Irish Beef Stew, which he intended on making for Holly’s birthday celebration. 

Above all, he cherished being a grandfather to his two beloved granddaughters. They were his greatest joy, and he adored nothing more than holding them close, having sleepovers at Grandpa’s, cheering them on during dance recitals, watching Phina graduate from Pre-K last year and receive the first Charter Champion award in her kindergarten class. He also continually prayed for and supported Belle through all of her surgeries, and more recently, took her to physical therapy appointments, cheering on her remarkable progress.

His unique bond with Belle is now deepened by the shared experience of his rare genetic cardiac condition and her rare IMTS diagnosis. Statistically, Grandpa’s undiagnosed/untreated ACM should have limited his life expectancy to around 40 years, while with Belle’s specific genetic makeup, she faced less than a 1% chance of surviving to birth. Both defied the odds in remarkable ways, showcasing their beautiful minds and hearts.

Now, Belle and Phina will carry forward their grandpa’s legacy, honoring his strength and resilience. He was truly one of a kind, not a malicious bone in his body, a heart of gold, with a steadfast spirit.

Tom is the beloved father of Holly DeVylder and Steve Holland, proud grandfather of Seraphina and Arabella Holland; will be missed by his fur babies, Archie, Monk and BunBun all with whom he made a home. Tom entered Holly’s life when she was 2 years old, quickly becoming her dad (Da), and formally adopting her at the age of 9 years old. The two have never left each other's sides, each made for the other. Da became a dad to Steve when he met Holly and fell in love with her at Cheshire High School at the age of 13. 

 Tom leaves his beloved siblings, David DeVylder of Cheshire; Edgar DeVylder Jr. and his wife, Elaine of Stamford; Eileen Meyer of SC; and Lillian Moore of MD; his sisters-in-law, Nancy DeVylder of Cheshire, Karen DeVylder of Wolfboro, NH; former sister-in-law, Geri Izzo of Cheshire. Tom leaves many beloved nieces and nephews, Jordan, Joey, Robert Jr., Elizabeth, Kyle, Rachel, Jaclyn, Kurt, Anna, Heather, and Robert. Also left to cherish his memory are Lynn and Cliff Grabowski of Meriden; William and Evelin Holland and their daughter, Paisley (who he truly loved and adored) of Wolcott; Dariusz and Elizabeth Szteborowski of Berlin, Patricia and Richard Clavet of Cheshire; Rachel, Jacob, and Jeffrey Shampang of Cheshire; and Mary Thody/Thody family of Durham; along with countless lifelong friends. Tom was predeceased by his brothers, Robert and Dennis DeVylder, nephew Johnny Moore; his best friend, Michael "Ack" Accetura; and very close family friend and mother figure to Holly, Adele Orlando.

 Friends may greet Tom’s family at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 So. Main St., Cheshire, CT 06410 on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 4PM until 7PM with a special spoken remembrance by his daughter and son in law, at 5pm. All those who would like to share a fond memory, a story, or thoughts from your heart, are implored to do so as well. The family asks that for the wake and funeral, you wear what reminds you most of Tom, whether this is dressing down, dressing up, wearing Yankees, Green Bay, golf, or waterfront/vacation attire, to celebrate his life. Please also bring a handwritten note, letter, memory, etc., as a book will be made by Holly and Steve to give to their daughters to know just how much their Grandpa was loved, as they grow older, and to learn more about him, through all of your words. 

 On Saturday, February 1, 2025 his funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9:15AM for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10AM at St. Bridget of Sweden Parish-St. Bridget Church, 175 Main St., Cheshire. Burial will be private and at the convenience of his family. Memorial contributions may be made to SADS Foundation | Supporting families. Saving lives or to the Turner Syndrome Foundation. To leave online condolences for his family, please visit www.fordfh.com