SALEM – Mr. Thomas Paul Stevens 77, of Salem, Retired Lieutenant, City of Salem Fire Department, beloved husband of Cynthia (Gora) Stevens, died unexpectedly, Monday, November 18th, 2024.

Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late George and Helen (Flynn) Stevens. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem Hight School, Class of 1965. Later in life he returned to the classroom and earned his Associate degree in Fire Science.

An honorably discharged veteran, Tom served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Lieutenant Stevens began a career serving the public as a fire fighter with the City of Salem Fire Department in 1974. He rose through the ranks of the department being named Lieutenant in January of 1995, and dutifully served Salem and its residents with honor for 33 years until the time of his retirement in 2007. Lt. Stevens was well respected by his brother firefighters for his commitment to his profession and his dedication to his fellow firefighters.

A lifelong resident of the City of Salem, Tom was affectionately known as "the Cat" to his friends. He loved music and had a deep passion for golf having begun playing as a young teen using his aunt's right-handed clubs, although he was left-handed! In retirement, he worked at the Golf Country driving range in Middleton in the mornings, and in the afternoons, he could be found on the course with his golf buddies. He golfed every day and enjoyed the camaraderie just as much as the game itself. A true people person, Tom endeared himself to many. "The Cat" had many lifelong friends and if he met you once, he would always remember your name, because to Tom you were a friend.

For the last 14 years, winters have been spent in California. He particularly loved their golf course vacation home, sitting for hours watching the golfers and applauding their good shots. Often getting a wave or bow in return! He loved living on the water in Salem, and their golf course home in San Diego.

Traveling was a passion, and Tom and Cindy enjoyed many trips in the US and around the world creating memories all along the way.  They relished their annual 2-to-6-week house trade with the Harringtons in Hawaii. He loved that he has been to all continents except Antarctica. And that was on his bucket list. He loved all music, sports, trivia, Jeopardy, and news shows. He was always a good sport in helping Cindy in her many "projects", and always kidded her that she came to the marriage with the tools.

He was a member of Salem Firefighters Local 172 and the Beverly/Peabody Elks Club. Above all else, Tom was devoted to his wife, siblings, nieces, nephews, friends and fellow firefighters.  He will be lovingly remembered and forever missed, for there was only one Tom "the Cat" Stevens.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 36 years Cynthia (Gora) Stevens of Salem, his brothers, Robert Stevens and his wife, Lynda of Henderson, NV and Donald Stevens and his wife, Theresa of Salem and nieces and nephews, Timothy Gora, Andrea Gora Lovewell, Ruby Gora, Kenna Hayden, Bryan Gora, Tony Gora, Wendy Giompaolo, Julie Urbanowicz, Keven Stevens, Scott Stevens, Shawn Stevens, and Beth Stevens-Quintilian who passed away of ALS in 2021, and many close cousins. He was predeceased by his siblings, Helen, his twin, Celia, and Edward.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral service will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Tuesday, Dec. 3rd at 12:30 P.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial is private. Visiting hours prior to the service from 10 A.M. to 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's memory to Salem Fire Fighters Relief Association, C/O Chief's Office,  48 Lafayette St, Salem, MA 01970. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

Salem Fire Fighters Relief Association
c/o Chief's Office, 48 Lafayette St, Salem MA 01970