Mr. Thomas Melvin Ware

Mr. Thomas Melvin Ware began his earthly journey on December 14, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan.  As the son of Walter M. and Thomasene Williams Ware, he was the second of four siblings. For a short six years, he lived with his aunt in Georgia.  When she became too ill to care for him, he was sent to live with his mother in Hartford, Connecticut.

Thomas was educated in the Hartford Public School System. Shortly after graduating from Thomas Snell Weaver High School, he was drafted and served in the United States Air Force beginning in 1965. Much of his deployment was spent in Viet Nam.  Having achieved the rank of Sergeant, he was granted an Honorary Discharge in 1971.

Upon his return to Connecticut from the service, he worked at the Travelors Insurance Company and JC Penny before joining AT&T as a technology specialist, where he worked until his retirement. While employed at AT&T, he met the love of his life, Fredericka. From the day they met and eventually married, Thomas and Fredericka have been inseparable partners. Over the years, they proved how deeply they revered their marital vows of “in sickness and in health,” with Thomas suffering with PTSD, as well undergoing a kidney transplant and Fredericka’s major back surgery.  Through it all, they have been each other’s steadfast supportive caretakers and mutual nurturers. They moved to Columbia, SC, in 2017 to continue on their retirement journey together. On November 14, 2021, they celebrated their fifteen-wedding anniversary.

Thomas was an active Mason of Composite Lodge #22 of the Free & Accepted Masons. Rising to 32nd degree, he also served as Potentate of the Makalia Temple #172. He was also active in the Elks.

Everyone who knew Thomas knew he loved three things, first of all was God, his wife and family, secondly was being Pop Pop to his 7 grandchildren: Treyon Bosh, Tasjah Bosh, Amari Brown, Jayden Ware, Kentrell (Beanz) Brown, Darion Bailey, and Kori J. Brown, third and finally was looking his stylish best. He was a dresser and even when he was in his leisure attire, his clothing, sneakers or easy walkers and hat all had to be coordinated.

On November 23 2021, Thomas transitioned to begin his Eternal Heavenly journey. He was predeceased by: his mother and father; and stepbrother, Stanley Fleming.

To celebrate his life and continue his legacy are: his wife, Fredericka Young Ware; his son, Todrae (Tonya) Ware, of Austin, TX; stepchildren, Treasuri Brown and Kentrell (Shasa) Brown, all of Hartford, CT; stepmother, Ora Ware, of Bloomfield, CT; brother, Gary (Liz) Ware, of Ayden, NC; sisters, Valeria Williams, of St. Petersburg, FL and Wanda Ware Woodard, of Bloomfield, CT; stepsiblings, LaPrell Fleming, of East Hartford, CT and Dwight Fleming, of Bloomfield, CT; his seven grandchildren; three godchildren, Deja Spann Morgan, of Windell, NC, Marchita T. Beard, and Scott M. Morgan, both of Windsor, CT. He also had a host of nieces, nephews and wonderful dear friends, all of whom will miss him.