Thomas C. Colletta 66, of Portsmouth NH, passed away Tuesday, January 28, from complications of life-long diabetes. Beloved husband of Susanne (Feely) and son of Charlie and Doris (Galipeau) Colletta, Tom spent his childhood in Nashua New Hampshire. He attended high school at Bishop Guertin and then attended Keene State College on a full scholarship, where he earned a degree in Journalism and Public Affairs.
After graduation, Tom pursued his love of writing by working for the 1590 Broadcaster, a weekly newspaper in Nashua. He went on to write album and concert reviews for The Spotlight, the arts section of the Portsmouth Herald, and Rock Bottom Record’s Hi-Fi magazine. He offered witty reviews of upcoming local shows and album releases in a gossip-style column titled Edna Bottomsley’s Porthole on Portsmouth.
It’s no secret that one of Tom’s biggest passions was music. In college Tom would sing at dorm room jam sessions with a few classmates and future life-long friends. After college, Tom played with a band called Nervous Disorder, but is best remembered as front man and singer extraordinaire first in Gandhi’s Lunchbox then Jupiter 2. He later added harmonica and tambourine to his repertoire, and in 1996 Tom discovered a passion for the Theremin. His unmatched humor and love of all things music resulted in performances that always exceeded expectations. Tom was extremely proud to be a part of the Seacoast’s vibrant music scene as both a fan and a performer.
Tom made his career working in several Seacoast music stores such as The Book and Music Outlet and Rock Bottom Records, however for the last twenty years he’s been the go-to guy at Bull Moose Records. A lover of all genres, he could point you in the right direction regardless of what you were looking for, and steer you towards what you didn’t know you needed. Many musicians gained a wealth of knowledge listening to his stories and recommendations. One favorite story to tell was of the time Bono accused Tom of stealing his wallet at The Hampton Club Casino where a young U2 played to a small audience. Random conversations with customers often led to close friendships.
Tom was honored to be selected to represent the Portsmouth Arts Community on many occasions. Notably as the Grand Marshall of the Portsmouth Halloween Parade in 2008, and a host of the Spotlight on the Arts Award Show.
Tom was predeceased by his parents and his partner in crime, Bob Ford, who together created some wonderful music, memories, and crazy escapades.
Considering Tom’s ardent love of music and animals, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Stratham, NH SPCA or The Continuum Arts Collective, a local non-profit in North Berwick, ME providing K-12 students access to materials needed to flourish (www.continuumarts.org).
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 9:15 AM at St. Patrick’s Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, NH, followed by burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Hudson, NH. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com
