You know him. Everyone does. He stands silent at the lunchroom door in various arrays of t-shirts, monitoring the comings and going of students in the lunch-lines, assuring order is maintained.

His name is Tom Come, and he is a hard-working truck driver, produce stocker and lunchroom doorman. 

Mr. Come drives produce for the lunch rooms to Three Rivers School and the Hill School then unloads them. His responsibilities also include stocking the vending machines in the cafeteria and outside the gym.

For Mr. Comes, the job is a second career. “I was bored being semi-retired,” he said.

Prior to coming to SAU 53, Mr. Comes worked for 17 years at the New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI) as a building service supervisor, overseeuing the custodial and small maintenance work being done throughout campus. 

In his current position, Mr. Comes said he enjoys his co-workers and the light-hearted atmosphere.

“I can be a jokester,” he said. “I get [the cafeteria staff] in here going all the time.” 

If imitation is the highest form the flattery, Mr. Comes was humbled by a student-imitation at the last Winter Carnival. 

“I thought it was funny,” Mr. Comes said.  

Outside of work, Mr. Comes said he spends his time with his grandchildren, attending their football games and cheer events.

You know him, all right. And maybe if you’re standing in the lunch line, you can even say hello next time.