Thomas W McRae

Thomas William McRae, 71, of Belchertown, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, at Baystate Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.   Born on September 8, 1954, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Tom was the son of the late Rosalie Sullivan McRae and Thomas McRae, Sr. He was raised in Dorchester and Framingham, Mass., and graduated from Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole, Mass. Tom went on to graduate from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture’s Animal Science Program and earned his degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. While at UMass, he was active in concert promotion, booking performers who would become rock and roll legends, including Bruce Springsteen and Linda Ronstadt.   After graduation, Tom returned to “the Aggie” to begin a career as a teacher. He became a leader in his field, serving as President of the Massachusetts Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association and the Massachusetts chapter of the Future Farmers of America.   He eventually brought his expertise in teaching and science education to the field of animal pharmaceutical sales at Novartis and DVM Pharmaceuticals. Following his pharmaceutical sales career, Tom followed his passion for sports and, with his beloved wife Sandra (Sandy) McRae, opened the family business, the Belchertown Sports Shed. After the Sports Shed, he joined Edward Jones as a financial advisor for several years before retiring. A people person and natural storyteller, Tom connected easily with customers, clients, and friends alike.   Tom and Sandy lived together in Stafford Springs, CT, before settling in Belchertown in 1985, where they built their life and raised their family. Together, they raised two daughters, Samantha Brooke and Courtney Simpson. Tom believed in family over everything, a value that guided him throughout his life.   Tom enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether hiking, camping, or biking. A lifelong music lover, he was an avid guitar player whose passion led him to play in the Havin’ Fun Band with friends for several years. He was active in his community, volunteering with the Lion’s Club in Belchertown, and was dedicated to youth sports, coaching hockey and especially enjoying coaching Courtney’s teams.   Tom is survived by his daughters, Samantha and her husband Zachariah Page of Austin, TX, and Courtney and her husband Nicholas Pucel of Belchertown; four granddaughters, Norah Rose and Emilia Rae Page, and Elliot Magnolia and Declyn Jade Pucel; his sister, Joan McRae Stoia, and her husband Stephen Stoia; his niece, Kindreth Stoia, and her husband Gary Cameron; his great-niece Keira Thornton and her fiancé, Jacup Roberts; and his great-nephew Bowie Thornton and his wife Yessenia Garcia Thornton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra McRae, and his parents.   Visiting hours will be held beginning at 10:00 AM on Sunday, November 23, 2025, with a service beginning at 11:00 AM at Beers & Story Funeral Home, 10 Maple St, Belchertown, MA 01007, with a memorial service to follow.