Thomas E. Twitchell, MD
Member Since 1961
Wellesley Hills, MA
Date of Death: March 12, 2017
Thomas Evans Twitchell, 93, formerly of Wellesley Hills, MA, husband of the late Patricia OBrien Twitchell, died peacefully in his sleep on March 12, 2017 at the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Natick, MA. He is survived by his four daughters, Carol and her husband Stephen Gagosian of Wellesley, Susan of Falmouth, Mauyra of Natick, and Evelyn and her husband Lance Esplund of Milton, PA. He also leaves behind his three grandchildren Christina, Julia, and Robert Gagosian of Wellesley. Tom was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He and Patsy resided in Wellesley for 58 years, where they raised their family. He was awarded a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Michigan in 1946. After medical school, he embarked upon a long and accomplished career in neurology at several hospitals including the Floating Hospital for Children in Boston, the Medical Associates in Chelmsford and the Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Boston. In 1988, he retired from Tufts Medical Center, after serving there for nearly 30 years as a neurologist and associate professor. During these years, he published numerous articles, primarily pertaining to pediatric neurological disorders. Tom was a compassionate physician who, even after years of retirement, was often stopped on the street by former patients who wanted to chat and to express their gratitude.
Tom was a lover of gin martinis, apple pie, Wagners Ring Cycle, his wifes lasagna, Beethoven, Chopin, Nietzsche, Keats, and Casablanca. He had an extraordinary memory, even at 93, wryly recalling odd childhood friends in Springfield, Ohio, every teacher he ever had, Sigma Chi dances at the University of Michigan, and his first trip to New York City, to hear jazz in 1941. His usual response, when asked How are you? was, Only excellent! He was bemused by most everything, from religion to politics to family gossip to the behavior of ants. He was a devout believer in science, often saying, We just dont know! Tom was opinionated and easy going, and loved by so many who appreciated his dry humor and clear-eyed philosophy on life and living. He will be sorely missed.
A private memorial will be held in his honor at a later date. Donations may be made in his name at Doctors without Borders. Online guestbook at gfdoherty.com. Arrangements by George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, Wellesley.
Published in The Wellesley Townsman from Apr. 8 to Apr. 20, 2017