Thomas Flood

Thomas “Tom” Vincent Flood, passed away Sunday May 19, 2024 after a valiant battle with colon cancer, surrounded by his family in Westmoreland, NH. 

Tom was born and raised in the Upper East Side of New York City. After graduating high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was based in Washington D.C. and Berlin, Germany. He was a computer programmer but also saw combat in Southeast Asia. He earned his associate’s degree while serving in the Air Force and then returned to New York. 

Tom was an immense advocate for mental health and workers’ rights. He began his career in mental health in 1984 at Stony Brook Lodge in Ossining, NY as a substance abuse Clinician with dual diagnosis adolescents. In 1994 he moved to Brattleboro, VT with his family and began working at the Brattleboro Retreat as a Crisis Interventionist. In 2001 he was promoted to House Charge in the adolescent residential program until 2017 when he was promoted to Assistant Manager of Child and Adolescent Residential Services. He became a CPI Master Trainer during his tenure at the Retreat and taught de-escalation and crisis prevention skills to Brattleboro Retreat staff for many years. He moved to clinical education in the years up until his retirement in 2021. Tom was a trailblazer who helped unionize Brattleboro Retreat mental health and support workers. The union was instrumental in advocating for and protecting workers. He served as President of the United Nurses and Allied Professionals Unit 2 for many years; negotiating contracts, advocating for worker safety, ensuring fair pay, and maintaining worker benefits. 

Tom enjoyed many hobbies including cooking, baking, crocheting, knitting, watching sports, movies, and playing games with family and friends. He had perfected his apple strudel and cheesecake recipes which were favorites at holidays and get-togethers. In true NY fashion he was an avid Yankees fan and enjoyed watching them on TV or listening to them on the radio. His greatest accomplishment was being a father. He was always there for everything. He went on every class trip and never missed his children’s sporting events. 

Tom was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Danny and Steven. He is survived by his sister Christine Skerritt and her husband Tommy from Rego Park, Queens, NY, his daughter Christina Downing and son in law John of Keene, NH, his son Ian and daughter in law Brittney of Swanzey, NH, his former wife Gwynn Yandow of Brattleboro, VT, nieces and a nephew, and many friends. 

A celebration will be held on July 20, 2024 at 1pm at Wheelock Park Pavilion on Park Avenue in Keene, NH. Family and friends are invited to attend. Kilts are encouraged but not required. 

Remembrances in his memory can be made to: Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services at PO Box 564 312 Marlborough Street

Keene, NH 03431 or online at www.hcsservices.org/don