Tuffic R. Hatem's Obituary
Tuffic R. Hatem, a cherished, long-standing member of his community and devoted family man passed away at his home in Methuen, Massachusetts on April 5, 2025. Born on February 19, 1924, in Somerset, Ohio, to George R. Hatem and Jennie (Rabil) Hatem, both from Hammana, Lebanon, he was a man whose life was marked by his commitment, generosity, love of family and a contagious sense of humor.
In 1930's, Tuffic's father made his way from Ohio in a dump truck filled with his wife, children and several friends to a vibrant neighborhood in Lawrence, Massachusetts where he put down his family's roots.
At age 10, Tuffic worked side-by-side with his father as a caretaker, brick later, mason, and grave digger at St. Anthony's Cemetery in Methuen, Massachusetts. Then, at the tender age of twelve, Tuffic's father passed away, leaving Tuffic with the responsibility of providing for his mother and six siblings. He did so by working a variety of jobs from selling cardboard to owning businesses such as trucking, street paving, hauling ice blocks up the 3rd floor tenements, and even running a gas station. He was very resourceful, finding a solution to every problem.
By 1975, Tuffic made Methuen his home where he was a full-time Town of Methuen employee and remained dedicated to his post as the caretaker of St. Anthony's Cemetery until he regrettably retired in his late seventies. He expressed many times how proud he was of the work that he did there, and it showed in not only the work itself, but in the accolades he received from St. Anthony's parishioners. One of his greatest and cherished achievements was acquiring and securing the land next to the cemetery to expand it for the future of St Anthony's Cemetery.
With a passion for Boston sports teams (especially the Bruins and Red Sox), vintage cars, antiques, scratch tickets, and "tinkering" with his "treasures," Tuffic was always engaged in activity into his 100's. You could always find him tinkering in one of his many sheds, creating "treasures" to be sold at the local antique mall which he began to do in his early 90's. He was considered a priceless, "rockstar" selling his wares while sharing uniquely, personal stories about his vintage collection. You could always find him in attendance at various sports events cheering on his grandkids.
His legacy is one of dedication and generosity above all else. His dedication, especially to his adoring wife, was boundless, and persisted until her last breath as he comforted her by singing the classic, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart."
Tuffic's love story with his beloved wife, was one of a kind. Together they brought two beautiful daughters, Venize D. Mason and Rosine M. Hatem into the world and expanded their loving circle to include Venize's husband, Bob, and their three children: Eric Mason and wife, Raena Tripp-Mason; Nicole Bergin, husband, Chris, and their son, Callahan "Tuffic" Bergin (He couldn't believe his great-grandson was named after him!); Kayla Mason and fiancé, Matt Guariglia. Tuffic was a supportive brother to his predeceased siblings: Mary (Hatem) Troisi, Regina (Hatem) Brown, Edward Hatem, Louise (Hatem) Assaf, Rosemarie Hatem, and John G. Hatem. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as grandnieces and grandnephews.
As we bid Tuffic farewell, we will forever be reminded of his joyful spirit, his undeniable zest for life, "do it yourself" confidence, and countless mottos such as "if you rest you rust; gotta keep moving" and remarkably, he did this to the very end.
What’s your fondest memory of Tuffic?
What’s a lesson you learned from Tuffic?
Share a story where Tuffic's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Tuffic you’ll never forget.
How did Tuffic make you smile?
