In memoriam: Thomas Walczak

We regret to announce the passing of Thomas Walczak, longtime owner of Roof Management Consultants, Inc. and Roof Accessories, Inc. 

Thomas William Walczak (Tom) 79, of Norfolk, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully, on April 30, 2026.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on November 2, 1946, Tom was the son of Elizabeth Robertson and Walter Walczak. Tom attended Springfield schools and was a graduate of Western New England University where he was a fraternity brother and hockey player. Hockey was an important bond shared with his father, uncles and friends. Many hours were spent playing pond hockey near his home. Tom was a veteran of the Vietnam War and proudly served his country as a member of the USAF during this difficult era.

Tom possessed a great entrepreneurial drive. Upon return from his service, he and his close friend opened T & T Foods, a manufacturer and distributor of Polish Pierogi. He was proud to say that his Pierogi were the best, made the real way… hand pinched in small batches by his Polish aunts and other Polish moms. He was able to provide employment to many. Unfortunately, demand outweighed the ability of the company to supply, and the business eventually closed.

Tom’s next entrepreneurial endeavor came after a job with a top manufacturer of roofing materials. Here, he learned the roofing business from the ground up. Tom went on to establish Roof Management Consultants, Inc. in 1986. The business recently closed after 40+ years of excellent client-centered service. He also opened a subsidiary, Roof Accessories, Inc, to manufacture and distribute a highly innovative roof drain that he designed, for which he received a US Patent.

In 1982, Tom and Catherine McCarthy married. At the time, Catherine was living in New York City pursuing a career in advertising which she continued in Providence and Boston. They settled in Franklin, Massachusetts, and later in Norfolk, Massachusetts, where they were blessed with two sons.

A lover of all sports, Tom coached both of his sons in Little League and Soccer, never missing a game as they got older. Golf was his favorite pastime, and over the last 40+ years he and the family have been members of Franklin Country Club, he made many friends and was able to enjoy trips to some of the world’s most prestigious golf courses with them. Tom was a very good friend to all and made a great effort to stay connected with friends over the years.

Tom enjoyed good health until his first battle with cancer in 2022, which he survived. Unfortunately, cancer reared its ugly head again, and although Tom put forth a valiant battle, he eventually succumbed to the disease.

Tom is survived by his wife, Catherine; his son Thomas D. and his wife, Devon of Norfolk, Massachusetts; his son William of Franklin, Massachusetts; grandsons Calvin and Wesley also of Norfolk; his sisters, Barbara Reynolds of Texas, Nancy Moquin of Ludlow, Massachusetts, and Elizabeth (Suzie) Wratten of Virginia; sister-in-law Jean McCarthy of Cumberland RI; brother-in-law John McCarthy and his wife Linda of Ware, Massachusetts; sister-in-law Mary Ellen (Ellie) McCarthy of Belchertown, Massachusetts, and many nieces and nephews. .

Donations in his memory to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 N Main St. Providence, Rhode Island 02904.