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Thomas Prentice Hyde, 80

A loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and beloved doctor for generations of North Berkshire children, Thomas Prentice Hyde lived a life of meaning, purpose and adventure.

Born on September 9, 1943 to Dr. Henry van Zile Hyde and Mrs. Ellen Hyde, Tom grew-up in Bethesda, MD looking-up to his two older siblings, Mr. Henry Hyde of Phoenix, AZ & Ms. Susan Scholl of Pittsford, NY. An energized and life-long learner, Tom fondly remembered sneaking into Washington D.C. as a kid to enjoy lectures at the National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian. Unsurprisingly, pre-teen Tom regularly convinced his parents to drop him and a buddy in the wilds of Shenandoah National Park for unsupervised, multi-day backpacking excursions. From those moments forward, Tom hiked, paddled and bushwhacked through life as an avid outdoorsman. In 1958, Tom followed his older brother Henry to Deerfield Academy, where he graduated in 1961. At Yale University, Tom studied Biology and sang in the Glee Club, graduating cum laude in 1965. While at Harvard Medical School, stars aligned and Tom met Susan Burtch at a Wheelock College mixer, and the two were married in Montreal in 1967. After completing an internship in pediatrics at Johns Hopkins in 1969, Tom served as an officer in the Public Health Service, doing research in infectious disease at the National Institutes of Health. Returning to Massachuestts in 1972, Tom completed his residency at Boston Childrens’ Hospital, and then began his 39 year career at the Williamstown Medical Associates. Moving to Williamstown to raise a family, Tom & Susan chose a beautiful setting with easy access to the outdoor activities Tom loved. An enthusiastic hiker, canoeist, cyclist and skier, Tom instilled his love of the outdoors in his sons, Peter, Andrew and Matthew. Planning increasingly elaborate and remote summer paddling trips in the Adirondacks, Maine and Quebec, Tom loved exploring the natural world and was fearless in taking action to protect it. Tom campaigned relentlessly to save James Bay from a HydroQuebec dam project and he served for many years on the board of the Hoosac River Watershed Association. Tom paddled the river at every opportunity and eagerly shared it with others by leading float trips each spring.

At every turn of his life, Tom cared for others - most notably as a Pediatrician for thousands of families in the Northern Berkshires. Tom volunteered at the Friendship Center Food Pantry, the Northern Berkshire Rx/Heroin Work Group and Berkshire County Sexual Assault Intervention Network. In 2015, the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition honored Tom with the 2015 Northern Berkshire Heroes award. Tom’s wisdom, care and easy rapport with families made him a known and celebrated presence in Williamstown and beyond.

Tom passed away at home on November 27, remaining sweet, graceful and grateful to the end. Predeceased by his middle son, Andrew, Tom leaves behind his wife Susan, brother Henry, sister Susan and his sons Peter and Matthew and their families, including his daughter-in-law Charity, and four grandchildren, Will, Lily, Samuel and Avery. All loved Tom dearly and are so proud of the example he set of a life beautifully lived.

The Hyde family would like to sincerely thank Hospice Care in the Berkshires for the comfort and care they provided Tom and his family in the final weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s honor can be made to the Drew Hyde Memorial Fund (https://yvcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3277) and/or the Hoosic River Watershed Association (https://hoorwa.org/). To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.

 


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Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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Dr Hyde was my three children’s pediatrician. He was always there for me when I needed him and calling answering questions seeing the kids early in the morning with office hours he was a fellow coworker at a time as well. When I worked for the Williamstown medical Associates he always had a smile and he had a great rapport with the children. He will be sadly missed whenever I think of him. I always think of him with a smile rest in peace Dr. Hyde. You will be sorely missed.
from: Terry M Saunders-Boucheron: 12-01-2023

He was a wonderful man and pediatrician. I can still hear his subtle chuckle when a child amused him. And who can forget his ties. He was a beloved small town doctor - so intelligent, kind, and patient, which such a love and appreciation for the outdoors. I was so sorry to learn of his passing.
from: Jennifer Thompsonon: 11-30-2023

Our loss is Heaven’s gain- what a wonderful huma, doctor, and citizen. Dr. Hyde took care of me and my beautiful children- and we are ever so blessed to have been in his care. His warmth, humor, and gentle demeanor were always so comforting. My condolences to the entire family and praise for sharing him with all of us in the community. I’m glad he was part of my village.

Fondly,
Deb Aulisio Mahar
from: Debra Aulisio Maharon: 11-30-2023

I will never forget Tom's incredible dedication to preventing youth substance use and promoting safer prescribing. Tom was so faithful to show up and support anything related to addiction prevention, always offering to lead the way in the work but never seeking the spotlight. I also admired his love of the outdoors and service to HooRWA. Thinking of him and all who love him. May his memory be a blessing.
from: Wendy Penneron: 11-30-2023

Dr. Hyde was the pediatrician for our 3 children up to adulthood. We all loved him. He was the BEST!! So very sorry to the whole family for your tremendous loss.
from: dave & diane krzeminski & familyon: 11-30-2023

He was the best of the best! Both our boys had him for their doctor. So very sorry for your loss. May all your memories help you all through this time.
from: Carol & Jack Filiaulton: 11-30-2023

Dr. Hyde was an awesome doctor. He took care of my kids he will be missed but never forgotten.
from: Darlene Farmeron: 11-29-2023

Kind, unflappable,NEVER condescending, matter-of-fact manner, NEVER judgmental, smart, humble, boyish, warm smile, CALLING HOURS! (so important and reassuring)...Beloved...Dr. Hyde had all these qualities ... He took care of Sacha and Maris through their young years (as well as me!) and was always there with compassion and expertise... I will always be grateful..
from: Elaine Yanowon: 11-29-2023

He delivered my two children he was a very nice man ! So sorry to see him go ! God bless him + his family ! Rip
from: Christine Leavenson: 11-29-2023

I am heartbroken to read this. Dr Hyde was my pediatrician and then took care of my kids until his retirement. I remember him telling me to call him at home if we needed anything before the office opened....he was an amazing soul and so full of kindness and love. My condolences to his family.
from: Tanya Rathbunon: 11-28-2023

Dear Susan,
I am so sorry to hear this. Sending you love and prayers.
from: Julieann Haskinson: 11-28-2023

I was a pediatric nurse at NARH for almost 20 years and I always knew Dr.Hyde as being a caring and cheerful doctor, always smiling and a good doctor to work with. My condolences to the family.
from: Nancy Royon: 11-28-2023

Dr Hyde was the most caring loyal Dr I’ve ever had in my life I grew up with him as my dr and then my children had him as their dr he will always be remembered. And cherished !! Tip Dr Hyde you will b missed by so many my condolences to his family!!!
from: Tammy Beliveauon: 11-28-2023

I was a pediatric nurse for about 20 years at NARH and Dr. Hyde was always cheerful and helpful when I had concerns about an ill child. I will always remember his smile. My sympathies to the family.
from: Nancy Royon: 11-28-2023

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Hyde at Williamstown Medical. He was a skilled, kind and compassionate soul. May he rest in peace.
from: Beth Bramanon: 11-28-2023

I felt like he was a friend, considering all the early mornings I had to call him about my kids. He was a wonderful human being and I will definitely miss him very much
from: Marcia Williamsonon: 11-28-2023

You were an extraordinary doctor, and will be missed! Thank you for being my primary care when I was younger!
from: Travis Murach on: 11-28-2023

I was very sad to hear this news. I had the distinct honor and pleasure to work with Dr. Hyde at the Williamstown Medical Associates durning the 80's. He was a great doctor, a joy to work with and his patients (and parents) loved him. My sincere condolences to the Hyde Family.
from: Patti Tatroon: 11-28-2023

I loved him ..he took such good care of Eamon and he was always available for his every morning telephone calls...Susan and children so very sorry may he rest now with all the angels...he was my angel on earth.
from: MaryEllen Morrisseyon: 11-28-2023

So sorry to hear about your husband passing away. I remember when he took care of my son Ryan. He was a wonderful person and will be miss alot. I send out my condolences to his whole family. Will keep him in prayer.
from: wendy levesqueon: 11-28-2023

I knew Tom as an extremely competent, skilled and caring medical colleague........a very bright, kind and humble guy. My condolences to his lovely wife Sue and family.
John Buoni
from: on: 11-28-2023

So sorry for your loss he was our pediatrician for many years .
from: Penny king on: 11-28-2023

I’m keeping all of you in my thoughts. Although I didn’t know him, his reputation spoke volumes of a kind, loving man.
from: Kathleen George on: 11-28-2023

My condolences to Sue, Peter, Matthew and family. I knew Dr. Hyde not only as my daughter's pediatrician but as a parent when I had Matthew as a student. He was always kind and helpful. My sympathy to his family at this sad time.
from: Evelyn Sullivanon: 11-28-2023

Dr. Hyde was a great and gentle man, my daughter's pediatrician. She was sorry to grow up and have to leave him. Our sincere condolences to the family!
from: Eva Grudinon: 11-28-2023

Prayers to the family. Dr. Hyde was a remarkable Dr. and trustworthy person/friend.
He was my son pediatrician from day one until he out grew him. My trust in his knowledge and wisdom was very strong. He will be missed . R.I.P.
Liz Braman
from: Elizabeth Bramanon: 11-28-2023

He was a remarkable doctor. So kind and gentle. It’s a very sad day in pediatrics. My heart felt prayers goes out to his family.
from: Michelle Dargieon: 11-28-2023

I enjoyed working with Dr. Hyde doing school physicals. Always pleasant and helpful, he will be greatly missed. I am sorry for his loss.
Jennie Pierce
from: Jennie Pierceon: 11-28-2023

I am sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Dr. Hyde truly cared about his patients and always took the time to listen to them.
from: Tina Hollandon: 11-28-2023

The memories our family shares with the Hyde's are many, from being a colleague, to putting on a roof in NH, canoeing, and treating two generations as a compassionate, thorough, and always comforting pediatrician, Dr. Hyde has had a lasting impact on not just us but countless others. Our hearts go out to his family.
from: The Merselis familyon: 11-28-2023

A remarkable man. My sincere sympathy.
Sharon DeMyer Nemser
from: Sharon DeMyer Nemseron: 11-28-2023

Dr. Hyde took care of my two sons when they were infants and toddlers. He was always so caring and gentle. This was in the late 1970's through the 1980's. My sympathy to his family at this very sad time for them.
from: MaryBeth Kennedy on: 11-27-2023

Omg what a wonderful man kind sweet he was my son's pediatrician right until he got to be of age my thoughts and prayers are with the family rest in peace Dr Hyde
from: Sue perrason: 11-27-2023

So sorry for your Loss! Very kind Man ??
from: Beth Schmehlon: 11-27-2023

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