The newest railcar on the Cape Cod Central Railroad has been named “Silvershell” in memory of former Chief Mechanical Officer Thomas Bartholomew, who passed away in February 2021. 

According to the company, Bartholomew loved swimming from Silvershell Beach in Marion to Ram Island and back. 

Bartholomew grew up in Marion.

One coworker, speaking in February, described him as an “invaluable and much loved member of our railroad family.”

“His skilled hands could seemingly repair any piece of machinery. However, it was his huge heart that we treasured and will miss immensely,” said Kaylene Jablecki, a coworker and friend of Bartholomew, who spoke with Wareham Week shortly after his death. “Tommy would do anything for anyone. He was more than just my coworker, he was my friend and he leaves an enormous void in all of our lives. He was truly one of a kind.” 

Bartholomew died after getting in a frozen-over cranberry bog reservoir to swim. He regularly swam in the frigid waters after cutting holes in the ice.

“Those who knew Tom fondly remember his love of nature, the peace that he was known to find when swimming and sailing in the ocean, and his lifelong connection to trains,” the company said. “This tribute to our friend and colleague will be a daily reminder to all of us who loved him, and were lucky to have worked alongside him.”