Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas MORITZ Obituary
Tom was a humble man who led an extraordinary life. Born Nov. 2, 1937, in Wooster, Ohio, he learned the values of hard work and a strong faith, through it all he remained a farm boy at heart. Tom attended the University of Dayton for his undergraduate degree and later earned a Masters in Business Administration at the University of Akron.
After college he began a 21-year career in the U.S. Army, serving as an Airborne Ranger and Helicopter Pilot. His dedication and bravery earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike. His service included two combat tours in the Republic of Vietnam where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Five Bronze Stars for Valor and 23 Air Medal citations representing over 350 combat missions. Tom's Army career took him to eight duty stations in three countries and culminated with a Battalion Command tour of one of the largest aviation battalions in the U.S. Army. After retirement from the Army, Tom started and ran his own advertising business, TV Facts, for 18 years and then held an advertising position with the Daily Press.
Tom was an avid gardener and cook, both of which he learned while growing up on the farm in Wooster. He was member in both the Newport News and Kingsmill Garden Clubs and loved to share his passion with friends and family alike. A devout Catholic, Tom was an active member of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Newport News and later, St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg during his retirement years.
Tom's warm smile and keen interest in others made him a true friend, a natural mentor and a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He always gave unconditional love, support and guidance. He was an unbelievable role model to everyone surrounding him.
He was preceded in death in 2005 by his wife of 40 years, Joyce Moritz.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Barbara Wyles of Falls Church, Va. Tom leaves a legacy of five loving children, Lisa and Shannon Smith, Suzanne and Eric Burke, Tom Jr. and Militza Moritz, Julie and Joe Santoro and Jay Moritz. He has three grandchildren, Cameron and Gavin Burke and Taylor Smith. Tom is also survived by his sister, Marge Galehouse; and his brother, John Moritz, both living in Ohio.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, at Peninsula Funeral Home, Newport News. A Funeral Mass will be conducted at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at St. Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg, with the Rev. Jan Dolny officiating. Tom will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery later this year.
Memorial donations may be made in Tom's memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas MORITZ
Sponsored by Joe and Julie Santoro.
Ron Kalif-El (Riggsbee)
September 13, 2022
It's been a long time since I've wrote or expressed my feelings for such a great man. It definitely goes without saying he was/is a inspiration to me and others. Just last week I felt down on my luck and I remembered when Tom came to me with some struggles he was having and we pushed to overcome them together. To this day I use that situation to get past obstacles in life
R.I.P
Mr Moritz
Benjamin Buckley
September 13, 2019
I met Tom at Fort Benning, GA in 1959 and we served together in Germany in 1960-61. I came home and was married in April 1961. My wife joined me in Gelnhausen, Germany and our first home was a basement apartment.
Our first ever dinner guest was Tom and my wife, Carol, served spaghetti. It seems like last week. Tom was a special friend and we will always miss him.
February 1, 2015
What wonderful tributes still coming in...we will never forget what an awesome man you were...always my hero. your loving sister.
January 30, 2015
Served with Tom in Vietnam 1966-67. Cool under fire and a leader of the highest order. Even in tense and stressful times, he was in control of his emotions and actions, a true "TC Aviator."
Jonathan Robert De Mallie
January 28, 2015
Thomas W. Moritz;
GOD Bless you and all which do and/or the ones which come here paying respect lay a prayer viewing this too!!!.............................."The true touchstone of civil liberty is not that all men are equal but that every man has the right to be the equal of every other man - if he can."@ Major General Benjamin Butler"He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery." -UK Premier Harold Wilson:"They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies" ~William Penn~
June 8, 2014
"Just sending my gratitude to a man who without a doubt changed my life for the best" ................... Ron Riggsbee (Newport News,Va )
Benjamin Buckley
January 30, 2012
Dear Moritz Family.
I just learned about Tom's death today, Jan 30. Tom and I started our careers together at Fort Benning in 1959, Infantry Officers Basic Course, Airborne School, Ranger School, and were both assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 48th Infantry, 3rd Armored Division in Germany. We were good friends. I last saw Tom in Vietnam in 1969. I am very sorry to hear this news and my thouhts are with you, his family.
If it is not too late, I would like to know date/time of his internment in Arlington or elsewhere. Tel 703-978-9179.
Patrick Nash
November 28, 2011
Mr. Moritz is a true hero, a great man. The Moritz family is in our thoughts and prayers, we are very sorry for your loss. Love, Patrick Nash and family.
Pete Bradley
November 23, 2011
To: Tom's Family & Friends from his flight School roomates @ fort Rucker. Tony & Pete sure loved Tom and all that he stood for...He earned his place next to his Lord and Savior...Pray and look after us Tom, see ya.... we hope! in a better place doing aerobatics, drinking coffee & reminicing. Pete & Tony
Libby Koklanaris
November 19, 2011
Dear Moritz Family,
We apologize that we just found out about Tom's passing yesterday. The staff at NIH are very sad to hear of his passing. He was a remarkable man and such a fighter ! We extend our deepest condolences to your family and Barb. It was such an honor to have known your father and to have taken care of him since 2002. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely- Libby Koklanaris
Bob Sweeney
October 16, 2011
Was deeply saddened to learn from a mutual friend that Tom had passed. We attended college together & served in the Army together. Got together a few times in recent years & attended one of the daughter's wedding. Have been trying to contact his wife by phone with no luck. He will be missed. Would like to know date/time of internment in Arlington or wherever. tel: 540-891-9882
October 11, 2011
Thank you, Tom, for all your brotherly support and most of all, your love, during our growing up years on the family farm with our wonderful parents and younger brother, John: while attending the University of Dayton together, encouraging me to stay in school when I was so homesick; and, being such a strong advocate during the difficult times in my life. You always cared about what was happening with me ...even when your life was so busy...you truly made a difference in mine. Tom, you were in life and continue to be, my hero. As you always said in closing in your conversation: God Bless...and now you are resting in peace and perfect happiness free of pain with God.
Your loving sister, Marge
Laura McLane
September 26, 2011
Suzanne, I will keep you and your family in my prayers and am very sorry for your loss. I am also sorry I didn't have the privilege of meeting your dad.
September 26, 2011
My condolences to the family.
Lew Hodgett
Whittier, Ca
A Wooster High School Classmate
WHS '55
[email protected]
Carolyn & Dick Houghton
September 24, 2011
To all the Moritz Family:
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your father and grandfather.
David Whaley
September 22, 2011
Dear Moritz family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences as well as our thoughts and prayers. A true example for us all in so many ways may God bless and keep him and all of you.
Dave and Sandy Whaley
Julie Moritz
September 22, 2011
Dad, we all love you and miss you so much. It's so nice to see just how many lives you touched and how inspiring you have been not only to us, but to so many others as well.
TCAA Logo
Ted Cimral
September 22, 2011
The entire membership of the Army Transportation Corps Aviation Association (TCAA) is deeply saddened at the loss of Tom Moritz. He was a gentle man, yet he was courageous in combat. God has called Tom home, for He needed a co-pilot and hero.
Ted Cimral
Colonel, TC (Ret)
President, TCAA
Gwynne Cleveland
September 22, 2011
My heartfelt sorrow to all of the family. I wish you all love and peace.
Fred Gowan
September 21, 2011
To the family of Tom Moritz. I share your grief and offer my deepest condolences. I served with Tom in Vietnam during 1966-67. He was 2d in command to Hank Small with the TC Maintence Detachment that supported the 128th ASHC, Tomahawks and GunSlinger, platoon. He was one of us, and flew with the GunSlingers from time to time. Tom impressed me with his natural calm and ease during some intense and facinating times. He was a real soldier.
A fellow TC Officer and DMOR.
Major Fred A. Gowan
GunSlinger 34
US Army Ret.
norb and judy patla
September 21, 2011
to the tom moritz family
to the tom & joy moritz family; words cannot express the deep sorrow & loss both judy & i feel at the passing of your wonderful father & one of my oldest & dearest friends.
had it not been for your wonderful mother (joy) and dad, judy & i might never have met or enjoy our lovely family.
because of his & our strong faith, i know positively that tom is in a much better place & finally free of his many health issues.
may he truly rest in the arm's of our heavenly father along with his wonderful wife, joyce for all eternity.
most sincerely with all our love,
norb & judy patla
arab,al
tom is surely in a much better
Robert & Sharon Southard
September 20, 2011
Our deepest condolences to the family of Col.Moritz and honor for his service to our Nation...
Virgil Whitehead
September 20, 2011
Dan,
I share your sorrow during this period. Tom was truly a heros HERO!! Semper Fi
September 20, 2011
To Tom's Family--especially Tommy and Suzanne:
I am so sorry for your loss. My husband and I knew your parents in Newport News and thought so highly of them. I've seen your father at St. Bede's in recent years, and served at your mother's funeral. But I did not know of his declining health.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely, Madeline Malarkey
Nancy Forcey
September 20, 2011
Suzanne & Family: I'm so sorry to hear this news. Losing your loved ones is so hard. I hope your special memories with him will help you get through this difficult time. Thinking of you and your family. -Nancy
September 20, 2011
Dear family, I enjoyed reading about the many successes of my cousin Tom, but enjoyed even more reading about what a great, kind, caring loving person he was and how many lives he touched. I remember seeing his picture many times as the cute little ring bearer in my parents wedding photo from 1941. I know he wanted to be there for my mom's 90th - they shared a very special connection. Love and prayers to all of you.
Maureen (Kearney) Jenny (Ft. Myers, FL)
Sidney Dugas
September 19, 2011
To the Children of Tom & Joy. I met your dad when we were on our first Army assignment in Germany. We were in the same unit. Our paths crossed many times and we both retired about the same time. I was always impressed with your dad and had much respect for all he was and all he accomplished. You have every reason to be very proud of your dad.
With sincere sympathy and best wishes.
September 19, 2011
Moritz Family,
We are saddened to hear of the death of Thomas,it was a pleasure to have been able to help in their care. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
The staff at Comfort Keepers
Leslie Schager
September 19, 2011
Dear Moritz family,
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Tom in person, but I have heard about him from Lisa and Shannon and wish that I had had the opportunity to meet him. He has obviously accomplished extraordinary things in his time here and touched many peoples lives. He raised a wonderful person in Lisa and I look forward to someday meeting the rest of his sons and daughters. My heart and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time.
God bless,
Tim and Pat Kearney
September 19, 2011
Dear family,
We are very sad that we are not able to be with you at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are there for sure.
Tom was my hero and inspiration and guided me in many of my decisions in my life. As my older cousin did, I did. I followed him to the University of Dayton and I pledged his same fraternity. I enrolled in ROTC because Tom did. I went to Ranger School and Vietnam like he did although there was no comparison to our duties there and I thank and respect him for his service that was well beyond the call of duty. I think his most valuable gift to all of us was his example of the way he lived his life. He was so kind and gentle. Although a great leader, he was soft spoken and humble. He always cared about us and what was happening in our lives even as he was in a hospital bed battling yet another life-threatening llness that was so often the case in the last decade or more. Although he had every right to, he never complained of his pain and situation. He truly was a person that I wished that I could have spent more time with as he was such a warm and loving person. We will all miss him but are so happy that he is in heaven now, reunited with Joy and Catherine and Lawrence who he loved so much, and enjoying the full rewards of living such a good life.
With our love and prayers,
Tim and Pat Kearney
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas MORITZ's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Thomas MORITZ
Funeral services provided by:
Peninsula Funeral Home & Crematory11144 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas MORITZ's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
