NORTHAMPTON - Thomas E. Lyons, 54, of 76 Blackberry Lane, the president for 18 years of Smith Charities, died this morning at The Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

The Czelusniak Northampton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete.

Mr. Lyons, who was born in Northampton Nov. 1, 1937, was a graduate of Columbia University and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

He had been an elected trustee of Smith Charities from Northampton since 1971, and since 1974 served as president of the board which directs the agency.

Smith Charities is a public charity founded in 1848 which gives money to brides, widows, nursing students, and people entering trades, among others.

He had also worked as an insurance broker at the former Francis P. Lyons Insurance Inc., and had been the company's president.

He was active in community organizations, including the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, the Hampshire Community United Way, the Hampshire Regional YMCA, the Hampshire Insurance Board, the Rotary Club, and the Elks Club.

Published: 06/24/92

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