Tommy Medeiros, the youngest of eight children, emigrated to the United States in 1967 from St. Michael, Azores, Portugal. At an early age his family realized that he wasn't interested in baseball, basketball, or even soccer, like the rest of his neighborhood friends. It become clear that Tommy had a passion for running and the God-given ability to run like the wind! He combined that gift and the strong work ethic instilled by his family to become one of the greatest runners in West Warwick High School history.
Thirty-one years after being the first in his family to graduate from high school, four of his track records still stand. Friends and family still reminisce about the days Tommy would go for an after-school run from Artic to Scarborough Beach, approximately 25 miles. His running career could have easily continued into college and beyond, but he decided it would be best to join his family members at Bradford Soap.
Tommy was known as a loyal and honest friend and was always willing to help others. Like the day he assisted an elderly women on Harris Avenue clean the snow from her car, literally taking the shovel and telling her to “go back in the house”. This was not just any women, this happened to be Brian's grandmother. He was a rare breed, truly one-of-a-kind.
Tommy loved his family, friends, the New England Patriots and 80's rock music. Sadly the love of rock music placed him in the Station night club on the tragic evening of February 20, 2003. Tommy's loyalty showed through to the very end; his body was found shielding Lori Durante, the love of his life. Although he was taken away from us far too quickly his family and friends continue to celebrate his life and his legacy in our daily lives.
Events such as the Labor Day Memorial 5K serve as loving tributes and carry on the legacies of two great men and role models, Brian St Germain and Tommy Medeiros.
Thirty-one years after being the first in his family to graduate from high school, four of his track records still stand. Friends and family still reminisce about the days Tommy would go for an after-school run from Artic to Scarborough Beach, approximately 25 miles. His running career could have easily continued into college and beyond, but he decided it would be best to join his family members at Bradford Soap.
Tommy was known as a loyal and honest friend and was always willing to help others. Like the day he assisted an elderly women on Harris Avenue clean the snow from her car, literally taking the shovel and telling her to “go back in the house”. This was not just any women, this happened to be Brian's grandmother. He was a rare breed, truly one-of-a-kind.
Tommy loved his family, friends, the New England Patriots and 80's rock music. Sadly the love of rock music placed him in the Station night club on the tragic evening of February 20, 2003. Tommy's loyalty showed through to the very end; his body was found shielding Lori Durante, the love of his life. Although he was taken away from us far too quickly his family and friends continue to celebrate his life and his legacy in our daily lives.
Events such as the Labor Day Memorial 5K serve as loving tributes and carry on the legacies of two great men and role models, Brian St Germain and Tommy Medeiros.