Thomas Lanman HINE

Thomas HINE Obituary

HINE, Thomas Lanman Thomas Lanman Hine died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday (January. 20, 2010), in Niantic. He was born Nov. 21, 1918, in Berkeley, CA, but grew up primarily in Cambridge, MA. Tom graduated from Harvard in 1940 and joined the Navy. During his 21 years in the Navy, Tom served as a flight instructor and flew PBY "Black Cat" Catalina seaplanes in the South Pacific during World War II. He also was a test pilot during the dawn of jet aircraft, flew jets off of carriers, and served in naval intelligence at the Pentagon. Tom retired as a Commander in 1962, then when to work for Grumman Corporation as an aerospace engineer. During his time at Grumman, Tom invented the "heads up" targeting display for the F-14, and developed crucial components of the Lunar Lander used when men touched down on the moon. Tom continued to fly, and after retiring from Grumman in 1979, he returned to flight instruction. When he finally relinquished his pilot's license in 2003, Tom had logged more than 15,000 hours in flight. While a student in the Naval Academy's graduate program in electronics engineering, Tom met and married Helen Tappan. The couple celebrated their 62nd anniversary in December, 2009. In addition to his beloved wife, Tom leaves three children: Peter Hine and his wife Candis, of Amston, Pamela Hine of Old Lyme, and Nancy Juliano and her husband Frank, of Milford. He will be greatly missed by his five grandchildren as well: Rook Thomas Hine of New York City, Katherine Hine Smith and her husband Corey, of Middlebury, CT, Theodore Hine and his wife Gwyneth, of Amston, Alexander Hine of Old Lyme, and Peter Hine of Old Lyme. Tom was thrilled to be great-grandfather to Madeline and Ian Smith and Luther Thomas Hine. A memorial celebrating Tom's amazing life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. Interment of his ashes will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, those desiring to honor Tom can make contributions in his honor to Hospice of Connecticut.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 22, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas HINE

9 Entries

Jean Wright

February 5, 2010

I just talked to Nancy, and learned of your loss - my deepest sympathies to each of you. What a beautiful obituary, it made me smile as I remembered someone I cared very deeply about, who was a precious part of my childhood.
love, always, Jean Melrose Wright, and family.

Erik & Elaine Lunde

January 31, 2010

Dear Helen and family, Elaine and I were so saddened to hear that Tom had passed away. He was a dear friend and such a joy to be around. He was a true example of someone with high morals and integrity. Fond memories will help soften the deep loss felt by you, family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kim Coleman

January 26, 2010

Helen,Pam and family I was deeply saddened by your loss. I hope you are all well and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Hine will be missed

Isabella Hine

January 22, 2010

I liked to visit Uncle Tom. The last time I visited, it was Halloween and Grandma had just had back surgery so she was there, too. So we had on our costumes and we visited them both. I like to hear stories about Uncle Tom and my Grandpa doing stuff together. Love,

Dave & Claudia Sinicrope

January 22, 2010

Tom was a great guy. Always ready with a warm smile and hearty hug, we will miss him very much. Our deepest sympathies go to Helen, Pam, Peter, Nancy as well as to Alex and Pete and their cousins. Our thoughts are with all of you.

Joseph R.Grills

January 21, 2010

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Charles Hine

January 21, 2010

I am very sad right now, but know that the memories will sustain all who knew this fine man. He was definitely the best uncle anyone could ever have.

Tom Seymour

January 21, 2010

Tom was an instrument flight instructor for us for many years in the 80's and 90's. In the 30+ years I've been in aviation, Tom was at the top of the short list of the best people I've known in the industry. He was a class act and a gentleman.

Tom Seymour, President
PIC Aviation Services, Inc.
Professional Instrument Courses

Aristedes & Evdokia Manthous

January 21, 2010

It is with great sadness that we read of Tom's death. He was a wonderful neighbor; always cheerful and a pleasure to converse with. Tom flew me to Marlboro MA some years ago when I was working in the sail making industry and we engaged in lengthy discussion about numerous interests that we both shared. A very sad loss for humanity. May his memory be eternal.

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