The University mourns the loss of Clinical Assistant Professor of pharmacy Thomas Kalista, who passed away unexpectedly on May 7.
Tom is remembered not only for his love of teaching and dedication to his students at URI, but also for his sense of humor, his bright smile, his passion for music, and his love of football. He was known as a friend and a mentor to students and colleagues alike. He had a unique ability to relate to his students and instill in them his passion and dedication for the pharmacy profession.
“This loss is a profound shock to all of us, leaving us with a large void in our college community,” said URI pharmacy Dean Kerry LaPlante. “Tom was more than just a faculty member; he brought energy, passion, and a source of joy and lightheartedness to the college hallways. His impact on students’ lives and the profession will be remembered forever.”
Tom was born in New Britain, Conn., son of William and Kathy (Morrison) Kalista. He is survived by his wife, Hannah; his parents; brothers, Nathan Kalista and Ryan Kalista; sister, Hailey Champagne; niece Chloe; nephew, Luke; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and second cousins, as well as his beloved fur baby, Soto.
After graduating from URI with his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2013, Tom worked in community and ambulatory care pharmacy practice, with focus on diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma, cigarette smoking cessation, and heart failure pharmacotherapy management. As a professor, he encouraged his students and peers to ensure patients received the best care possible. Among his many words of wisdom is a mantra many students remember: “What is our job? 5 words: Take care of the patient.”
Tom lit up every room he entered with his welcoming smile and contagious laugh. He was a devoted husband, son, brother and uncle, as well as an excellent, caring pharmacist and instructor whose dedication to his students is obvious in a growing online tribute to his life.
“I wish I had gotten the chance to thank you for all you’ve taught us and all that you did. I will always be grateful that even if we didn’t make it easy, you pushed us to grow and be better,” a ‘Student who is lucky to have had you’ wrote. “I am a better student and will be a better pharmacist from knowing you, Dr. Kalista. It was an honor to be taught by such a dedicated pharmacist whose dream was to give back to the future of the profession. Your legacy will live on forever! Rock on.”
Visiting hours will be Tuesday, May 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown, Connecticut. The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Wednesday, May 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Bridget of Kildare Church in Moodus, Connecticut. A local celebration of Tom’s life is scheduled for Thursday, May 16, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Georges of Galilee, 250 Sand Hill Cove Road, Narragansett. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Tom’s Golf Fights Cancer page at www.classy.org/fundraiser/5258234, or any local dog shelter/rescue.