Thomas J. Ferguson ... active in Masons

ROCHESTER - Thomas J. Ferguson died peacefully on Thursday, September 27, 2018, after a period of declining health surrounded by members of his loving family and the exceptional care staff at Dover Center for Health and Rehabilitation. He was born in Haverhill, Mass., on July 12, 1951, and for the last twenty years resided in Rochester.
Thom had a lifelong love for music with an encyclopedic knowledge of his favorite bands and the skills to play numerous musical instruments. He also brought that level of passion to his unique skill of detangling Christmas lights as performance art. A performer at heart he loved acting in theatrical productions and transferred those talents into his knowledge of masonic rituals. Any interaction with Thom was an opportunity to see his impeccable timing, ever ready with a wry glance following a witty comment letting you see a glimpse of the world through his skewed lens.
Masonic tradition was an important part of Thomas' life and he was raised as a Master Mason on May 14, 1990. He was a Past Master of Liberty Lodge AF&AM of Beverly, Mass., and at passing was a member of Humane Lodge in Rochester. Thomas was also a member of three chapters of The Order of Eastern Star: Heard Chapter #94 in Ipswich, Mass.; Trinity Chapter #22 in Hampton, and James Farrington Pleiades Chapter #7 in Rochester. Thom had served as Worthy Patron every time he was called on and was Grand Warder for the Grand Chapter of New Hampshire for 2014-2015. Youth development was important to Thomas so he served on the Advisory Board of Exeter Chapter Order of DeMolay and was currently a member of the Advisory Board of Rochester Assembly #11 International Order of Rainbow for Girls.
Thomas was survived by his wife of 30 years, Susan D. Ferguson; his son Justin P. Amaral and wife Erica A. Amaral of Rochester; and his son Jared B. Amaral and wife J. Emily Amaral of St. John's, Newfoundland. He was a loving grandfather to his cherished grandchildren, Jeremy, Jacob, Keeley, and Leo Amaral. He was also survived by his brothers and sisters, Robert, Jane, William, Michael, Nancy, Linda, Mark, Melissa, and several nieces and nephews. For decades Thom served as the head chef and caretaker for a series of cats most of whom will be competing for his affection in the afterlife and Maksim whose daily routines are a 5 a.m., reminder of just how much Thom did for us all.