|
In Memoriam : Dr. Thomas Sferes
Dr. Thomas James Sferes - age: 72
(January 02, 1943 to May 01, 2015
)
Resident of
Kennebunk, Maine
Visitation Information:
A celebration of life will take place on Thursday, May 14 from 3-7pm at the Coastal House 2128 (RT 1) Post Road in Wells, Maine. In lieu of flowers, Dr. Sferes's family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Animal Welfare Society, P. O. Box 43, West Kennebunk, Maine 04094.
Obituary:
Kennebunk - Dr. Thomas James Sferes, 72, of High Bluff Drive, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2015 at Maine Medical Center.He was born in Portland, Maine on January 2, 1943, a son of James and Pauline (Blougouras) Sferes.
As a boy, he attended Portland schools, before moving and finishing High School in East Hartford, CT.
Dr. Sferes's educational preparation includes both a B.A and M.A in Spanish from the University of Connecticut; an Ed.M. in Teaching Methodology from Columbia University and an Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Vanderbilt University.
He spent 46 years as an Educator. He was employed as a Spanish Teacher at Nathan Hale Jr. High School (1967-1972) and Brien McMahon High School (1972-1975) in Norwalk, Ct; at Kennebunk High School (1975-2003), where he also taught German and served as Department Chair for many years; and most recently at Biddeford Middle School (2004-Present). Dr. Sferes was employed at the university level as a Spanish Instructor at the University of Bridgeport (1970-1975). He also taught for approximately 30 years at the University of New England, the first 15 in Spanish as well in the Undergraduate/Graduate Teacher Certification and the Masters of Education Programs. Teaching awards he has received include an "Outstanding Teacher Award" from the University of Chicago, the Maine Educator Award from the Millken Department of Education, The National Educator Award from the Millken Family Foundation and the "Model Teacher Award" from the MSAD 71(Kennebunk-Kennebunkport) Board of School Directors. His favorite education quote was "Kids don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." (Guy Rice Doud, National Teacher of the Year).
Dr. Sferes had an avid interest in languages (Spanish, German, Linguistics), as well as Travel and Architecture. His travels have included many Spanish speaking countries including: (Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Peru and Chile) as well as England, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Greece and Turkey. His last trip abroad was a Transatlantic crossing to England aboard the QM2.
He was a truly selfless individual, who made a positive impact in so many lives. He was the best father, friend and role model anyone could ever ask for!
He is survived by his son John Sferes and girlfriend Jamie Daley of Kennebunk; his former wife and friend, Polly Sferes of Kennebunk; his Brother George and wife Rosemarie Sferes of Wallingford, CT; his sister Esther Greene of Waterboro; his uncle The Very Reverend Ernest Blougouras of Naples, FL; and his nieces and nephews: Jim Costello, Therese Costello, Patrick Costello, Jim Greene, Athena Greene, Nick Sferes, Linda and Lori Sferes as well as his 3 cats Keelan, Colby and Sawyer. He was predeceased by his parents James and Pauline Sferes; a brother John Sferes and sister Athene Cleary.
|
Ann Marie Duguay - May 6, 2015 Contact this person
Tom was the best person you could ever imagine knowing. He was kind and generous to not only people, but animals, too. He will be greatly missed.
Ann Marie Duguay
Glenn Tuttle - May 7, 2015 Contact this person
My thoughts and prayers to the family of Dr. Sferes, John is a classmate of mine and his father was one of my professors at Kennebunk High. German class was so entertaining thanks to him, a smile appears on my face with the thought of him. Much love John,
Glenn
Sarah-Jane Poli - May 8, 2015 Contact this person
My deepest sympathy to Tom's family. Tom was an outstanding teacher. He was a creative, caring person. Tom also had a great sense of humor. Tom will be missed.
|
|
|
|
