Nahant…..


Thomas H. Letarte, age 88, a longtime resident of Salem died this past Sunday evening July 26, 2009. His loving wife of 54 years Amelia "Amy" M. (Santisi) Letarte predeceased him in 1998.





Born in Salem the son of the late Benjamin and Helen (McNiff) Letarte, he was raised and educated in Salem schools. While working part time in downtown Salem he met the "girl of his dreams" Amy Santisi and they continued dating through high school. Following his graduation from Salem High School Mr. Letarte served in the United States Navy during World War II. While he continued service in the Navy, Tom and Amy married and established their home in Beverly, eventually settling in Salem in the early 1960's.





Following his discharge, Mr. Letarte showed his entrepreneurial skills and established the Candlepin Lanes bowling establishment on Broadway in Salem. He took great pride in providing recreational enjoyment for families. An avid dog racing fan, he had owned a kennel which raced in both Plainfield, CT and Seabrook, NH.





Mr. Letarte's primary interest in life was his family.



He is survived by two children Cynthia Pierce Gouchberg of Nahant, with whom he had resided and Thomas J. "T.J." Letarte and his wife Karen of New Canaan, CT; two brothers William Letarte of Costa Rica and Robert Letarte of Michigan; three sisters Dot Talbot of Danvers, Helen Albergeni of Peabody and Madeline Saunders of Salem; five grandchildren Peter Grant Pierce, Jr. of Columbus, Ohio, Thomas Pierce of Magna, Utah, Tayler Gouchberg of Nahant, Brendan and Tyler Letarte of New Canaan, CT; four great grandchildren Cooper and Lilly Sare-Pierce and Brooklyn and Brandon Rissman and many nieces and nephews.



He was predeceased by five brothers Albert, Benjamin, Joseph, Gilbert, and John Letarte and two sisters Agnes Powers and Louise Schultz.





Later in life he also enjoyed two wonderful companions, Beatrice Keene of Marblehead and the late Lois Giller.





His funeral will be held on Thursday, July 30th at 9:15 A.M. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., ( cor of North St) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1 Margin St., Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Wednesday from 4:00PM to 8:00P.M. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Assoc. 1 Union St. #301, Robbinsville, NJ, 06691. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.