Father Thomas Jennings Lamb

Father Thomas Jennings Lamb, New Milford, left this world March 30, 2026, in his words “hopefully, to a farm in paradise.” He died peacefully at Serenity Hospice and Home, Oregon, Illinois, surrounded by loving friends and caregivers. “Father Tom,” as he was known to his many friends and parishioners, was born April 4, 1937 in Norwalk, Connecticut, the son of Roger Henry Lamb and Dorothy Catherine Jennings Lamb. Father Tom was a 1955 graduate of Norwalk High School. He served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1960. In 1964, he graduated as a master baker from the American Institute of Baking, Chicago. From 1961 to 1978 he worked in a variety of supervisory positions in the foods industry. Employers included Pepperidge Farm, Ralphs Grocery Company, Red L Foods, Durkee Foods, and John J. Nissen Baking Corporation. He was a brother at the Order of the Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, New York from 1979 to 1980. He received his Bachelor of Theology degree from Queen’s College, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada in 1984. He was ordained as a deacon August 26, 1984, and as an Anglican priest December 12, 1984. Following his priestly ordination, he served the Parish of Trinity, Newfoundland, traveling among its five churches in six communities, until 1990. He then served as vicar of St. Bride’s Episcopal Church, Oregon, Illinois for more than 18 years, retiring in 2008. However, for Father Tom, retirement did not mean ending his vocation as a priest. As recently as 2025, he filled in as supply clergy for many Episcopal churches in Northern Illinois, often for extended periods and often making 160-mile round trips to serve in parishes that included St. Luke’s – Dixon, St. Anne’s – Morrison, St. Paul’s – LaSalle, Christ Church – Streator, and others. He had a particularly special place in his heart for St. Andrew’s in the Fields, Farm Ridge, and especially loved celebrating Rogation Sunday there. Father Tom also served as dean of the Rockford, Illinois Episcopal Deanery in the late 1990s to early 2000s. Additionally, he was a trustee for the Village of New Milford for four years following his retirement. He is predeceased by his parents and siblings Roger, Donald, and an infant sister. He also is predeceased by his beloved yellow Lab, Maggie, a faithful and loving companion. He wishes to thank Dr. Daniel Retzer (a treasured friend) and the medical team at University of Wisconsin Health System for their dedicated care since 1990. Also, we thank his caregivers at Dixon Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for their love and friendship, and the wonderful staff at Serenity Hospice and Home for helping his last days to be spent in peace, comfort, and dignity. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service and celebration of his remarkable life will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Dixon, Illinois at a later date. Details will be published. Arrangements are being completed through Jones Funeral Home, Dixon, Illinois. According to his wishes and in keeping with his love for animals (especially dogs!), memorial contributions in his name may be made to the local animal rescue organization of the donor’s choice. In his own words, he “hopes to see you in paradise,” or, otherwise, that you “wave down to him.”

Father Thomas Jennings Lamb

April 4, 1937 - March 30, 2026