Former Police Chief Thomas Lydon Dies Suddenly at 64
Norwood awoke today to the sad news of the sudden passing of Former Police Chief Thomas Lydon, one of the town’s most respected and longest‑serving law‑enforcement figures. Lydon, 64, died at the wheel of his automobile shortly after 1 a.m., apparently the victim of a heart attack while driving along Willow Street.
According to police, Lydon collapsed as he was operating his vehicle, which then veered off the roadway and struck a utility pole. He was rushed to Norwood Hospital, but was dead on arrival. The news spread quickly through the department he had served for more than three decades, casting a pall over the community he helped protect for so many years.
A Distinguished Career in Norwood Law Enforcement
Thomas Lydon devoted 35 years of his life to the Norwood Police Department, building a reputation for fairness, steadiness, and professionalism. For 20 years, he served as a sergeant, a role in which he became widely known to residents and fellow officers alike. He later rose to the rank of chief, serving in that capacity for five years.
Lydon was also a member of the Massachusetts Association of Police Chiefs, reflecting the respect he earned beyond the borders of Norwood. His long tenure spanned eras of significant change in policing, and he was regarded as a steadying presence during times of transition.
A Family Man Remembered
Chief Lydon leaves behind three children:
- Martin Lydon, of Norwood
- Thomas Lydon, Jr., of Millis
- Mary Lydon, of Washington, D.C.
His passing marks the loss not only of a dedicated public servant but of a father whose family now mourns a sudden and unexpected tragedy.
A Community Reflects
Lydon’s death closes the chapter on a career intertwined with Norwood’s civic life for more than three decades. From patrolman to sergeant to chief, he served through countless emergencies, investigations, and community events, earning the trust of residents and the respect of his colleagues.
As Norwood reflects on his service, his sudden passing serves as a reminder of the quiet burdens carried by those who devote their lives to public safety.
The Boston Globe-May 14, 1955
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