Thomas Prince Hosmer

Thomas Prince
Hosmer, 75
YORK -- Thomas Prince Hosmer, of Concord, Mass., age 75, died on May 11, 2011 at his brother's home in York after a lengthy illness. He was born on Dec. 27, 1935 in Norwood, Mass., the second son of the late Calvin Jr. and Marion Prince Hosmer. He grew up in Sharon, Mass., attending Sharon Schools before finishing high school at Chauncy Hall School in Boston, after his family had moved to York.
He attended the University of Maine in Orono, graduating in June 1958 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Reserve through the ROTC program at the university, and reported for a two-year tour of active duty at Fort Knox, Kentucky in the fall. After completing his training at Fort Knox, he was sent to Korea, but was medically evacuated after six months due to illness. He finished his tour of active duty back at Fort Knox in the fall of 1960.
He went to work for Sprague Electric Company in Concord, N.H. in 1960 where he designed a variety of machines used for the manufacture of solid tantalum capacitors, which were in high demand in the computer industry.
Five years later he accepted a position with the consulting firm Arthur D. Little in Cambridge, Mass., making his home in Concord, Mass. He worked on machines and equipment for refrigeration at extremely low temperatures and the production of liquefied gases (Cryogenic engineering). He also worked as a consulting engineer on the design and development of a wide variety of machinery, equipment and products for many different industries. This work resulted in the awarding of 14 patents. He retired in 2004.
He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and was active in the society's student mentoring program. Over the years he helped several dozen aspiring engineers to complete their education and find good jobs. He was also a dedicated supporter of his alma mater, serving on the university president's select committee of advisors, endowing a mechanical engineering laboratory there, and giving annual talks on his experiences to Freshman and Senior engineering students. His services were recognized when he was presented with the university's prestigious Black Bear Award.
He is survived by his brother Calvin III; his niece Katherine Labombard and his nephew Christopher Hosmer; three grand nieces and one grand nephew.
Private services will be held at a later date. Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, 91 Long Sands Rd., York, Maine is directing arrangements. www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com
Donations in his memory
may be made to:
The Mechanical Engineering Department at the
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469