HAVERHILL - Frank Thomas Nissi, Jr., 71, lifelong Haverhill resident, passed away peacefully at Lahey Medical Center on Friday, March 20, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was a native of Haverhill, born on August 14, 1943, son of the late Frank Thomas Nissi, Sr. and Mary (Turner) Nissi. He was a graduate of Haverhill High School, Class of 1961, where he was a celebrated football star. Tom attended Holy Cross on a full athletic scholarship, where he led the Crusaders "with a sixth sense of football" and was remembered as "one of the finest linebackers and finest men ever to don a purple uniform."

He spent most of his career as an advertising salesman for the Haverhill Gazette, where his creativity and charisma allowed him to build lasting relationships with local business people.

Tom was a doting husband and devoted father. He never missed his daughters' sporting events and enjoyed coaching his girls, whether officially or from the sidelines. He loved golfing with his wife and friends and spending time at the beach with his family. An avid golfer, swimmer, and cyclist, Tom spent as much time outdoors as possible.

Tom was profoundly empathetic and generous, a devout Catholic committed to helping the less fortunate. He was known to introduce himself to people on the street, give money to those in need, or simply bring diapers to the women's shelter.

Tom's surviving members include his beloved wife of 41 years, Patricia J. (Moran) Nissi; cherished daughters, Julie Nissi and Maria Nissi Haun and husband Joseph; adored grandson, Joey Haun; siblings, Joanne Fenlon and husband Edward of Bradford, Paul Nissi and wife Roberta of Hilton Head, SC. He will also be deeply missed by his cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law. Tom was the brother of the late Carla Nissi Wrenn.

His Funeral will be held Thursday morning, March 26, beginning in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Bradford at 9:00 AM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Sacred Hearts Church, Bradford at 10:00 AM.

Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, North Broadway, Haverhill.

Calling hours will be Wednesday in the funeral home from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.

Courtesy transportation to the visiting hours will be provided on request by calling Patrick Driscoll at (978) 374-0000.