Thomas P. Makowski

Thomas P. Makowski, 71, formerly of Northampton, a long-time iconic fixture in the Valley music scene passed away at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield after a brief illness. Thom was born in Holyoke, a son of the late Thaddeus and Joan (Vigneux) Makowski, grew up there, and attended local schools. Thom was a multitalented person, a painter, musician and artist. He worked as a painter for the Holyoke Public school system. He worked alongside his brother Steve at the Publick House in Sturbridge village as a strolling table performer for many years and was a talented musician performing with the bands including Skyline, Area Code, Normal Norman, The Neighborhood and many more. Thomas was a Troubadour of life, travelling the train tracks of daily life and becoming friends with all he met. His family and friends were everything to him. He was a historian of music, family and the neighborhood he grew up in, often speaking with people for hours factually. He was a communicant of Mater Dolorosa church in Holyoke for many years. In addition to his parents, Thom was predeceased by a sister and brother, Stephen T. Makowski and Kristine (Makowski) Tenczar. He leaves his siblings; Daniel F. of Chicopee, John J. of Belchertown, Paula A. of So. Hadley, Marlene J. of Gilford, NH., and Debra J. Michel of Southwick. Nieces and Nephews; Mark Michel, Jeremy “Jay” Michel and his son Grayson Michel, Myranda Michel, Dylan Makowski and his fiancée Aviva Winniman and Andrea “Andie” Makowski as well as countless lifelong friends. At Thom’s request there are no calling hours. Relatives and friends will gather for graveside services on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Mater Dolorosa Cemetery, Pittroff Ave., South Hadley. A Celebration of Thom’s life will be held in early summer. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations for Thom’s Celebration of Life Service be made to M.J. Makowski, 172 Stark St., Gilford, NH 03249