Southbridge: Thomas H. Ferris, 75, of Prince Rd., passed away on Saturday, Feb. 6 ^th , in the UMass Memorial Hospital, University Campus, Worcester, after a long illness.

He leaves his son, Bradford T. Ferris and his fiancé Vanessa Von Oy of Southbridge; his former wife, Justine M. McAuliffe of Southbridge; his four sisters, Donna Cairns of Florida, Nancy Wood of New Hampshire, Jane Jeniski of South Carolina and Bette Laythe of Worcester; and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his sister Cheryl Penzel.  Thomas was born in Worcester the son of Howard B. and Ruth (Von Zedwicz) Ferris.  He was a graduate of North High School in Worcester and went on to serve in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War.

Thomas worked as a toll collector for the Mass Turnpike for many years, retiring several years ago.  He was an avid golfer and previously worked at the assistant Golf Pro at the Worcester Country Club and also did maintenance and carpentry work at the club.  He enjoyed bowling, working around his yard, gardening following NASCAR racing and fishing.  Another hobby of Tom's was his HO scale train collection.

A graveside service for Thomas will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 10 ^th , at 11:00am in the Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.  There are no calling hours.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 60 Walnut St., #102, Wellesley, MA 02481 or to Veterans, Inc., 69 Grove St, Worcester, MA 01605.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.