Thomas Tremlett Rayner, Jr

Thomas Tremlett Rayner, Jr., age 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at his home in Walpole, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Arlington, Massachusetts on September 29, 1943, he was the son of Thomas T. and Josephine T. (Bonanno) Rayner.

Tom was raised in Watertown, Massachusetts, where, as a young boy, he developed a love of sports. At Watertown High School, Tom played both hockey and baseball at the varsity level before graduating with the Class of 1961. Tom continued his education at Boston College where he met the love of his life, Carol A. Ney. In 1965, Tom completed his studies to earn a bachelor's degree in mathematics and set out to find work with IBM, taking a position as a systems analyst.

Shortly thereafter, Tom and Carol were married in her hometown of Babylon, on Long Island, New York, on July 16, 1966. Together they made their first home in New Hampshire, first in Manchester, then Suncook, before finally setting down roots in Walpole, Massachusetts in 1970. While their home was in Walpole, Tom and Carol never lost their love for New Hampshire, purchasing a second home in Moultonborough in 1980. A short time later, Tom and Carol welcomed their son, Jason, completing their family. Tom was excited to teach Jason about all the things he enjoyed, from skating on Turner's Pond in Walpole to hiking in the White Mountain National Forest. In later years, hockey turned into a spectator sport, with Tom and Jason often attending the Boston College Eagles hockey games at Conte Forum.

Tom's career with IBM continued to grow. He was promoted to a managerial position within the analytics department and was eventually offered a project manager position. While a hard worker, Tom also never missed a weekend in the summer with his family at their Moultonborough home, spending hours out on the boat, relaxing at the beach, and hiking in the Whites. His work ethic eventually paid off, and Tom was able to retire from IBM in 1995 at the age of fifty-two. Retirement was not the end of his career, but rather an opportunity to build his own business, TTR Consulting, in his Walpole home. Tom oversaw his consulting business for another ten years before officially leaving the working world behind in 2005.

Throughout his life, Tom enjoyed staying active by playing tennis with friends, hiking in the White Mountains, and spending a day on the links perfecting his golf game. Back at home he was a member of a few tennis clubs, including Wimbledon 109 in Westwood, always gathering with his friends at the Halfway Cafe in Dedham for dinner after the matches.

Tom was devoted to his family, treasuring every minute spent surrounded by those he loved. He shared a beautiful bond with his wife, Carol, caring for each other deeply over the past fifty-nine years. Tom was immensely proud of his son, Jason, and loved watching him grow into the man he became. Above all, Tom's favorite title was "Papa" which he was awarded when his granddaughter Gemma was born. Tom would always say, "She makes my heart sing".

Beloved husband of Carol A. (Ney) Rayner.

Loving father of Jason Thomas Rayner and daughter-in-law Cortney Myers.

Cherished Papa of Gemma.

Brother of the late Edward Rayner and his surviving wife Marie.

Uncle of Andrew Rayner, Kevin Rayner, Kristen Rayner, and the late Jeffrey Rayner.

At the request of Tom's family, all funeral services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom's name may be made to Maryhaven at 51 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776 or by visiting https://www.maryhaven.org/

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.