CAPT. THOMAS J. HUDNER Jr. USN (Ret)

1924 - 2017

CAPT. THOMAS J. HUDNER Jr. USN (Ret) obituary, 1924-2017, Concord, MA

CAPT. THOMAS J. HUDNER Jr. USN (Ret)

1924 - 2017

BORN

1924

DIED

2017

THOMAS HUDNER Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Nov. 13 to Nov. 15, 2017.
HUDNER, Capt. Thomas J., Jr., USN (Ret) 93, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, of Concord, native of Fall River, Nov. 13, 2017. Beloved husband for 49 years of Georgea (Farmer). Father of Kelly Fernandez and her husband Keith of La Jolla, CA, Stan Smith and his wife Leslie of Weston, Shannon Gustafson and her husband Joe of Sherborn, and Thomas, III and his wife Jennifer of Concord. Grandfather of Julie Crabb, Andrew and Scott Fernandez, Austin and Madison Smith, Joe, Kelly, Max and Zachary Gustafson, Lily, Thomas, IV and Reese Hudner. Great-Grandfather of Charles Hudner Kahekiliokaione Crabb. Brother of Mary Hammer and her husband Thruston of Concord, Philip Hudner and his wife Sally of Westport and the late James and Richard Hudner. Visiting hours Wednesday, November 15th in Holy Family Parish, Monument Square Concord from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral Mass Thursday, November 16th in Holy Family Parish at 10 am. Memorial service to celebrate his life will be held locally at a date to be announced. Interment Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA on a future date. Veteran Korean Conflict & Vietnam War. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to New England Center for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108. For obituary and online guest book visit www.deefuneralhome.com. Dee Funeral Home of Concord 978-369-2030 Caring for families since 1868

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December 10, 2022

Frank Mulder posted to the memorial.

August 2, 2020

Martha Beale posted to the memorial.

February 18, 2019

RICHARD MAINA posted to the memorial.

Frank Mulder

December 10, 2022

I was moved to tears early when I watched the movie"Devotion"...Having served in the military this movie brought back the memories of just how close we were as friends.an excellent movie....Thanks for your service.

Martha Beale

August 2, 2020

Good bless you and keep you... from someone who has greatly admired you upon reading about your actions regarding Ensign Brown.

RICHARD MAINA

February 18, 2019

I just read Devotion and was brought to tears after reading this book. Heroes like Tom and Jesse Brown are in short supply these days. I'm sure there is a special place in heaven for both of them. God Bless Tom and his family.

Tribute to an American Hero

March 17, 2018

Paul O'Neil

March 5, 2018

Sending deepest condolences from the O'Neil family of La Jolla, CA. Rita, 95, lost Tim O'Neil two and a half years ago at 94, Tim and Tom were Naval aviator friends that never lost the bond. I had the privilege to have Capt. Hudner pull me aside when dad retired, he shared his insight with me when I was 16; I remember his wisdom precisely which was mainly accolades for my dad. My son shared the Navy ship named after Tom, he also caught the Navy officers marching to and singing happy birthday to Tom on the internet; a wonderful thing that I was so happy to show Rita.
Another hero of the Best Generation is sorely missed. RIP Capt Hudner!

Hiram Hogg

December 31, 2017

The list of true heroes just became shorter by one.

Someone who cares

December 21, 2017

My deepest condolences are extended to the Hudner family for the loss of your dear loved one. May our loving heavenly Father comfort your hearts and make you firm during this difficult time. (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)

December 2, 2017

I was fortunate to meet Capt. Hudner when he was Director of Veterans Affairs for Massachusetts.
I met him many times since then and was always impressed with his quiet ways and how accessible he was.
Please accept my condolences I am sure you are experiencing the feeling of a great loss.
I know I am.
Robert Noble, WW II, Ex-pow

November 20, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

B.F.

November 19, 2017

"At Ease," Captain Thomas Hudner Jr, and May you REST IN PEACE in the Kingdom of THE PRINCE OF PEACE....."O say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave?.....O'er the Land of the Free.....And the Home of the Brave.

Joseph Dooley

November 18, 2017

I was saddened to learn of tha passing of Navy Captain Tom Hudner, American hero, patriot and advocate for Veterans. He was a special friend of the Veterans cared for at the Bedford VA hospital. I had the privilege of escorting Captain Hudner for ward visitations during several of annual Salute to Hospitalizrd Veterans. It was remarkable to me how these visits impacted our Patients. When these Veterans noticed the thin blue ribbon that Captain Hudner wore so proudly around his neck they all did their best to stand and Salute no matter their condition. Tom was always gracious and considerate during these visits, always paying respects and genuinely concerned about their care. I always came home after these programs with a deeper appreciation for both Captain Hudner and the Veterans with whom I cared for. My sincere condolences to the Hudner family. May Tom have "fair winds and following seas" on his journey to Heaven. Very Respectfully Joe Dooley, Voluntary Service Officer (ret)

November 18, 2017

Thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort and may God bring you peace. My deepest and sincere condolences to your families and friends.

November 17, 2017

Mr Hudner was truly a hero in every way! Risking his life on behalf of others will be remembered. May the Huder family continue to cherish the memories close to your heart and remember that God is the hearer of prayers. Psalms 65:2

Juanita T
Chicago

November 17, 2017

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

November 16, 2017

One can only try to be like him.

Chris Oelschlegel, CDR, USCG (Ret.)
Wells, ME

CC.

November 16, 2017

To the HUDNER FAMILY in their time of grief, I'm truly sorry for your loss. May 'God' give you strength during this most difficult time. -Psalm 29:11

Joseph P Fallon

November 16, 2017

On behalf of the Korean War Veterans Assoc. Cape Cod Chapter we send our deepest regrets on hearing of the passing of Thomas Hudner Jr.

Thomas showed the personality and strength , and love for his fellow man who served in the Korean War

November 16, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family of Thomas Hudner on the news of his passing. May you be comforted by your wonderful memories of a life well lived and by the God of all comfort during your time of grief.

Jan F.

November 16, 2017

May the Good Lord bless Thomas Hudner, Jr. and May He comfort and console every member of his Family at this time. An excellent movie on DVD and Blue-Ray is "The Bridges of Toko-Ri," made right after the Korean War. It shows what our brave Naval Aviators had to put up during the war, and the perils they faced flying from aircraft carriers to their targets. It captures the feel of that time in history, is in color, and was helped in production by the U.S. Navy. The film stars William Holden, Grace Kelly, Frederic March, and Mickey Rooney. It is a tribute to all Veterans of the Korean War.

Deanna Karwowski

November 16, 2017

It was such an honor and privilege to have met Capt.Hudner at Hospital Point Lighthouse in Beverly, Ma. He was a humble and kind man.
Condolences to The Hudner Family.
Rest in peace Capt.Hudner
Sincerely,
Deanna Karwowski
USCG Auxiliary
Beverly,Ma.

Edward Luchetti

November 16, 2017

I interviewed Captain Hudner for "The History Project". He was a gentleman and a hero. Listening to his story about how he earned the Congressional Medal of Honor and his account of the day he received it at the White House was an honor for me. When I asked, he talked to me about a picture taken at the White House with President Truman, and spoke of his brothers who had served. Some of this was part of the interview and some was not but hearing of his time at Phillips Academy was also illuminating.

EDWARD LUCHETTI
Winchester, MA

November 16, 2017

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.

R.F.

November 16, 2017

In January 1961, President John F. Kennedy, a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, said to the Nation, "Ask not, what your Country can do for you. Ask, what you can do for your Country." Thomas Hudner, Jr. knew, in June 1950, when South Korea was invaded during the Cold War, what needed to be done.

Jeff Moore

November 15, 2017

A true American hero. It was a privilege and an honor to have known Capt. Hudner. He was an inspiration to anyone who was fortunate enough to have met. I knew him through the Wardroom Club.
LtCol Jeff Moore, USMC (ret)

Brenda Middleton

November 15, 2017

To the Hudner Family, I read Capt.Hudner obituary and couldn't let this opportunity passed without giving my condolences and saying it is nice to know a person like him lived. I'm black and to know how much he cared about Ensign Brown to put his life on the line so many years ago, makes me feel like there are still good people are in the world. Be blessed and keep the faith.

Robert Nolan

November 15, 2017

God Bless this great man and hero who was a treasure to our Veteran community. He was a good person all around and will be remembered to those of us who had the honor to serve with him in Korea.

November 15, 2017

Our condolences to the Hudner family. May God give you the comfort needed during this time of sorrow (Isaiah 2:2-4)

Jim Cotter

November 15, 2017

I had the privilege of honoring Tom at several Events in Saugus MA over the past several years. God bless you and your family. You have earned your wings to heaven. Jim Cotter. Wakefield ma

Bruce Maguire

November 15, 2017

I had the great honor of driving Captain Hudner for the New England Patriots wonderful man to be with. Rest In Peace sir

Carl Sawejko

November 15, 2017

It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of a dear friend, director and a true ambassador of Battleship Cove. Capt Hudner's spirit will always be with us and the thousands of visitors we see each year. Our entire organization wishes to express our deepest sympathy to the family during this difficult time.

Carl F. Sawejko, President
BATTLESHIP COVE
FALL RIVER, MA.

Gail Cavanaugh-McAuliffe

November 15, 2017

I only met Capt. Hudner on two occasions but he was the epitome of an Officer and Gentleman. He was a true American Hero and our world will be a darker place without him. He set the bar high for others to aim for. I hope he rest peacefully. Fair Winds and Following Seas.

Marcia

November 15, 2017

To the family and friends of Capt. Hudner. May you all be comforted by the wonderful memories you shared and the many compassionate and empathetic acts of goodness he made in behalf of others. May the God of comfort be with you all.

November 15, 2017

My condolences to the Hudner Family for the loss of your beloved Thomas. May you continue to be blessed with his memory and legacy and may your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many (John 3:16) ~ Linda, Queens, NY

November 15, 2017

Thank you...

Corinne Kinsman

November 15, 2017

I never had the honor of meeting Captain Hudner, but was proud that a true hero lived amongst us in our town of Concord. RIP

Joseph A. Koontz

November 15, 2017

Thank you, sir. Rest in Peace.

Robert Rivers

November 14, 2017

To the Family of Captain Hudner,

Just yesterday I finished reading the book Devotion about Captain Hudner and Ensign Jesse Brown. As a former Naval Aviator and fighter pilot and the father of an NROTC Midshipman who also wants to fly fighters, I was captivated by the heroism, loyalty, and honor of Tom Hudner. Ironically, just last night I texted my son that he MUST read the book since it related all that is right about Naval Aviation and the men and women who serve. Your husband, father, grandfather, brother has inspired multiple generations of Naval Aviators. He and Jesse Brown and the rest of VF-32 wrote a chapter in the lore of Naval Aviation that will never be duplicated. It is a story that all America should recall today in these trying times. I wanted you to know just how much he touched a total stranger. I am firm in my conviction that he and Jesse have reunited in Heaven and are flying together now.

All my very best to all of you at this very difficult time.

Rob Rivers
CDR USN (Ret)

David & Daryl Ann Keyes

November 14, 2017

Our deepest condolences to Georgea and the entire Hudner family. It was a great honor to know Captain Hudner. The world is a poorer place now. America has lost one of her greatest citizens. A true hero and an inspiration for generations to come. Sincerely,

November 14, 2017

Thank you for your service.

November 14, 2017

Hero and Son of America, Sleep well. B.Muse

Ray Simard

November 14, 2017

I'm in awe with your act of courage,and love of your fellow man.

Bobby Wilcox

November 14, 2017

Nobody is more invested in this country than a veteran is! And WOW, what a veteran he is. What an honor to have had this hero fighting the good fight for and living in our United States. Prayers go out to his family and God Bless his memory.

Harry Simpson

November 14, 2017

Fair winds and following seas sailor.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Ned Surman

November 14, 2017

A true American Hero. A dedicated Veteran who cared for his colleagues and went above and beyond the call of duty, in all that he did. Thanks for being such a wonderful friend of my father, Richard Surman, USMC WW II and Korea, and all the Chosin Few members of the New England Chapter. The Greatest Generation just lost another Hero to this world, but he is joining his comrades in Heaven with our Almighty God.
Respectfully,
Ned Surman and Family
The Citadel - Class of 1980

November 14, 2017

My sincere condolences to the family of Thomas Hudner, Jr. What a brave, courageous act performed for his friend! May Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and give everlasting comfort and good hope by means of underserved kindness, comfort your hearts and make you firm. 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17.

Victoria

November 14, 2017

I am very to the sorry to the friends and family for the loss. Soon, there will come a time when we will never have to grieve the loss of a loved one in death ever again. Ps 37:9-11

November 14, 2017

Sorry for your loss. May God of all tender mercy comfort you in your times of sadness.

Joseph D Herlihy

November 14, 2017

My father, John D. Herlihy, Jr. (USNA '48 B) was in Mr. Hudner's squadron shortly after the events associated w/ his CMH. My father died (2) weeks ago at age 91. Our thoughts are w/ the Hudner family as they celebrate his life. Fly Navy

November 14, 2017

My sincere condolences for your loss, may your family and friends receive comfort from your great memories of his life.

November 14, 2017

A Friend

November 14, 2017

Always in our hearts

JAMES H SMITH

November 14, 2017

A NEIGHBOR IN FALL RIVER YEARS AGO AND FRIEND

Cabot and Libby Barden

November 14, 2017

Thanking you sir for your service. The world needs a few more good men like you. Prayers for peace and comfort to your family and friend.

Aboard the USS Wasp 7/4/2012

Robert Haley Jr

November 14, 2017

Valentine's Day 2/14/2017

Robert Haley Jr

November 14, 2017

November 14, 2017

Our prayers and condolences goes out to the family and friends of Thomas Hunter Jr. His bravery and sacrifice to rescue his friend shows his bravery and love for his team mate. Cherish the many wonderful memories that you shared with your loved one for almost a century. May Almighty God give you strength, courage, but most of all peace in the difficult days ahead. I Corinthians 1:3,4

RH-IL

Pete Pinkston

November 14, 2017

Deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of a great American hero. Captain Hudner thank you for your devotion to duty and for your friendship to Ensign Jesse L. Brown. This country is forever indebted to men such as you for all you gave during war and peace. May God bless your family in their time of loss.

John Watts

November 14, 2017

Fair winds and following seas Captain Hudner, thank you for your service! RIP sir. From a fellow Swordsman and Gypsy.

AEC(AW) John L. Watts USN(RET.)

christian

November 14, 2017

My deepest condolences for your loss. May the God of all comfort prove to be your stronghold during this difficult time.
Psalm 18:2

Mrs. Marian R Curtis

November 14, 2017

Time is fleeting,but the memory of Capt. Hudner will remain in many grateful hearts as he encouraged The Pearl Harbor Survivors
to stay on course as the oceans churned and
their memory in jeopardy as time passed us by. I listened,still respond at every turn of the tide,saddended as I see our Memory
waining,but will heed his advice,hoping that some where ,some time people will stop
and pay homage to the bravery of those who
served this great Country!God Bless America.With deep respect,Marian Curtis,sec,Pearl Harbor Survivors and Friends,Freedom Trail Chapter.

SUE

November 14, 2017

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Lloyd Goodrow

November 14, 2017

I had the honor of meeting this humble hero many years ago and listened to his story. I will never forget his tears as he told of a young soldier who offered him his personal blanket for warmth as he came down from the freezing Korean mountainside. "They call me a hero......the true hero was that young soldier who offered me his only protection from the cold," he tearfully said. God Bless you Captain Hudner. May you rest in peace. Well done.

Lillian

November 14, 2017

Sorry to hear about the passing away of your dear love one. "May the God of comfort" comfort you and your family during this time.

Scott Chamberland

November 14, 2017

Rest in Peace

November 14, 2017

Truly saddened to hear about Thomas Hudner's passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! Luke23:43

Richard Marshall

November 14, 2017

May You Fly to heights of heaven and
beyond for the grace the Lord has given
You. A True Hero.

Carlotta

November 14, 2017

May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Huddersfield family and friends at this difficult time.

November 14, 2017

Thank you dear sir for your service to our country. Hero is your name.
A grateful American

Paul Alan

November 13, 2017

May God Bless Thomas Hudner Jr. and May He welcome him into the Kingdom of Heaven. Why should we thank, honor, and remember this U.S. Navy Veteran of the Korean War who was also awarded the Medal of Honor, and the Veterans who fought in all of America's wars?.....BECAUSE THEY LET COURAGE DO THEIR TALKING, WE ARE FREE TO SPEAK OUR MINDS. BECAUSE THEY FOUGHT AGAINST TYRANNY, WE ARE FREE TO WORSHIP AS WE PLEASE. BECAUSE THEY GAVE UP THE COMFORTS OF HOME, WE ARE FREE FROM WANT. BECAUSE THEY PUT THEMSELVES IN HARM'S WAY, WE ARE FREE TO LIVE WITHOUT FEAR.....America, the Land of the Free.....BECAUSE of the Brave!

mary CUNICO

November 13, 2017

WHAT HEROICS! A MAN WHO IS DEDICATED TO HIS FELLOW MAN! HE IS A TRUE HERO AND MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO HIS LOVED ONES!

Sharlene Queenan

November 13, 2017

Fair winds and following seas, Tom.

L

November 13, 2017

Thinking of the Hudner family during this time . My deepest condolences. May the peace from God that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds. Phillipians 4:6&7

Rene Lafayette

November 13, 2017

"Eternal Father, Strong to Save..." I had exchanged emails several years ago with Captain Hudner. Although we never "met" his story is one that I have shared with students over nearly 10 years. His service, beyond his beloved Navy is an example for all in 2017. He "walked the walk" and should be remembered throughout the Commonwealth.

November 13, 2017

My condolences to the Hudner family. May you be surrounded with kind words, fond memories and the comfort that only God can provide.

DOC

November 13, 2017

True American Hero. Rest in peace.Condolences to all who loved this man.

Susan Magner Veterans Director

November 13, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Captain Hudners passing. A true American Hero loved by all. My condelances to his family. May you sour on Eagles Wings. God Bless you and your loved ones. May the Lord watch over and comfort all you have touched. Rest In Peace Captain TOM Hudner and thank you for your service and sacrifice. You will be missed by many.

November 13, 2017

So deeply sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Hudner Jr. was loved and appreciated, he will be missed greatly. Thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.

Gary Gullickson

November 13, 2017

Sorry to hear of the loss. True heroes are hard to find. He will be missed. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. In Brotherhood, Gary Gullickson, USMC 67-70 Vietnam Veteran.

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December 10, 2022

Frank Mulder posted to the memorial.

August 2, 2020

Martha Beale posted to the memorial.

February 18, 2019

RICHARD MAINA posted to the memorial.