Thomas Rindfuss obituary (2001 – 2021) – Pittsfield, MA

Thomas M. Rindfuss, 19, of Pittsfield, and recently Amherst, passed away suddenly on Monday August 23, 2021. Born in Stamford, Connecticut on November 11, 2001, he was the son of Michael and Julia Leedham Rindfuss. Tom (as he preferred to be called) graduated from Pittsfield High School and was a student at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Tom worked at Guido’s Fresh Marketplace and Ski Butternut as a part-time ski instructor. Among many things, Tom was passionate about music, especially guitar and piano. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed creative writing, discussing politics, body surfing at the beach, skiing and playing highly competitive ping-pong with his friends and family. In high school, he was a member of the cross country, tennis and wrestling teams, a jazz band, and the National Honor Society. Most recently, he was collecting vintage rock metal concert T-shirts. During his early years he was active in Pittsfield Boy Scouts 8 Troop as well as lacrosse, tennis and youth wrestling programs. Family and friends would agree that Tom had a great sense of humor, a sharp wit, and genuine compassion for individuals in society who cannot stand up for themselves.

Tom was very fond of his black lab dog Onix (named after a Pokémon character) and would put the hottest tabasco sauce on anything he liked to eat. Tom’s sweetness, warm laughter, sparkling blue eyes and beautiful wit brought immense joy to his family’s life every day. No words can adequately describe how much we will miss him.

Besides his parents, Tom is survived by his brother, Patrick Rindfuss, his paternal grandparents James and Patricia Rindfuss, many loving uncles, aunts and cousins. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Thomas and Dolores Leedham.

Funeral notice:

The funeral of Thomas M. Rindfuss will be private. Public calling hours will be Wednesday, September 1, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home, 220 East Street, Pittsfield MA 01201. In order to ensure the best health of all, due to the recent increase in Covid cases, all who attend these services are required to wear face masks. If desired, donations in memory of Tom can be made to the Berkshire Humane Society or MASSPIRG in charge of Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home, 220 East St, Pittsfield MA 01201. Please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com to let your condolences and memories.