Valentine Couple 2023: Tom Birmingham & Amy Killeen

Amy Killeen and Tom Birmingham are united in their outlook on their almost 30 years of marriage and in their general attitude toward life. In conversation, they seamlessly tag team, alternating speaking times and pausing if the other one starts a remark.

“We think we’re very lucky in love,” noted Birmingham.

Tom Birmingham and Amy Killeen on their wedding day in September 1993

While they do share many traits, including enthusiasm, energy, and a can-do spirit, it’s clear also that they have consciously organized their lives around certain consistent principles.

One of those principles is their commitment to community. Killeen said she felt “immediately connected” to Canton after moving here in 1995, and she and Birmingham have fostered that connection ever since, engaging in numerous community activities.

As students at UConn, both were involved in the university community. Birmingham created a water polo team, was on the swim team and active in his fraternity. Killeen worked for the dean of students, interned at UConn Foundation (the fundraising arm of the university), and suited up as the UConn Husky mascot at United Way fundraising events on campus.

Both Connecticut natives, they met as students in a class they shared as communication majors. Birmingham, then in his senior year, described how Killeen, a junior, first caught his attention when she gave a class presentation. He recalled sitting next to her at the final exam in December. The instructor noticed “sparks flying” and asked them to move to different seats. Following the exam, Birmingham waited for her and the two got better acquainted.

With winter break and swim team travel to Florida, their first real date had to wait until January. Feeling optimistic but worrying about making a good impression, Killeen brought along a friend. Birmingham had also brought a friend — but things went so well, Killeen said, “We got rid of the friends by 9 o’clock!”

Following graduation, Birmingham worked as a sales representative while making regular trips to Storrs, CT from Cape Cod, then Quincy. By 1987, Killeen was working and living in the Boston area; each had roommates who also graduated from UConn — and who also eventually married each other.

In early 1991, Killeen and Birmingham decided to save on rent by moving in together. They married on September 4, 1993, and started searching for houses in 1995.

As MBTA red line riders, one of their goals for a house was proximity to mass transit. They knew almost nothing about Canton, but when their realtor promoted the “purple line,” which they hadn’t heard of, they realized that the Commuter Rail made the town very desirable in addition to its history and open spaces. After seeing just a few houses in Canton, they quickly fell in love with one and bought it.

Since then, Killeen and Birmingham have, both separately and together, achieved an impressive resume of community activities. Birmingham is now retired, but his career focus on environmental work in the energy industry prepared him for serving on Canton’s Conservation Commission and the Energy Advisory Committee, which he currently chairs. He is also involved in a project with the Paul Revere Heritage Site to create a school curriculum around tree identification and the history of Canton.

Husband and wife Tom Birmingham and Amy Killeen as Santa and his elf helper

Killeen’s career was in higher education. Since a partial retirement, she runs her own college admissions and career advising business while also working on special projects for both Make-a-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. For 10 years, she has also been deeply involved in volunteering for the Jimmy Fund Walk, as both a team co-captain (with fellow Canton resident Tara Shuman) and as a member of the advisory board. More recently, she has been volunteering as an officer with the Canton Helpline and as a substitute driver for Meals on Wheels.

Together, Killeen and Birmingham serve as board members of the Canton Farmers Market. Every Sunday during the season, Killeen organizes volunteers and Birmingham works on setup, management and emceeing as well as on sponsorships and fundraising on other days.

In addition, they are active with the UConn alumni group and Birmingham’s fraternity; make annual appearances at Cornerstone at Canton as Santa and his elf helper; and maintain an active social life, including throwing big “parties with a purpose,” which include a charitable element of giving donations.

What motivates them to be so involved? Birmingham said he had a good role model in his mom, who was active in the Walk for Hunger. Killeen offered another explanation: “We’re high-energy people who love to be productive, bring our community together, and contribute.”

Paying attention to their own relationship is another guiding principle. The couple makes sure to say “I love you” every day and to plan time for dates while also recognizing the importance of spontaneity in a happy marriage. They enjoy making long-distance trips together for surprise visits to friends and family.

Besides traveling and road trips, Killeen and Birmingham share interests in live music, architectural salvage, and their garden and home.

Still living in the same house they bought when they first moved here, they enjoy decorating it for special occasions. This year, it was decorated for Valentine’s Day ahead of time in preparation for some parties.

Regarding their personal celebration, Killeen said, “We’re big fans of the day.” They don’t yet have any specific plans, but Birmingham noted, “We’ll figure something out — we won’t miss it.”

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Posted by Candace Paris on Feb 10 2023. Filed under Features. Both comments and pings are currently closed.