Thomas Medeiros was an employer's dream: A conscientious worker who took pride in his labors, rarely missed a day and infused others with his personality.

Joe Sosnosky should know. The executive vice president at Bradford Soap Works in West Warwick hired Medeiros about 20 years ago.

He watched as Medeiros moved up through the ranks, landing in a position overseeing the packaging of soap in the plant's chemical production department.

Medeiros, 40, of Coventry, was part of an extended family who worked at the plant -- a network that included brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, and in-laws.

"Tom was just an excellent kid who came to work every day, did the job to the best of his abilities and prided himself on quality," Sosnosky said.

Medeiros graduated from West Warwick High School as a star runner known statewide. He broke many state track records, and was named the Most Outstanding Athlete of West Warwick in his senior year.

House Speaker William Murphy attended high school with Medeiros.

He said Medeiros was known for being an outstanding athlete. The two saw each other from time to time around town, Murphy said.

Medeiros kept fit, Sosnosky said. "You could tell by just looking at him," Sosnosky said of Medeiros' conditioning. "He prided himself on his appearance and the fact he was in good condition."