George Thomas Wilhide

George Thomas “Tom” Wilhide, born August 26, 1941, to George Lewis Wilhide and Margaret Elizabeth (Watkins) Wilhide of Emmitsburg, Maryland, passed away peacefully at Frederick Health on March 1, 2026.

Tom attended Emmitsburg High School before graduating from Frederick High School in 1959. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Western Maryland College in 1963 and later completed graduate degrees from Western Maryland College (1970), Shippensburg University (1971), and the University of Florida (1978).

Tom began his career in education as an English teacher at Westminster High School and later served as a guidance counselor at Marion County High School in Florida. He then joined the faculty of Cecil Community College, where he spent 27 years serving the college in numerous roles including Professor of Psychology, Director of Athletics, and Academic Advisor. As advisor to student-athletes, Tom was known for his tireless advocacy and mentorship, supporting many students in achieving academic and personal success. His dedication earned him several honors, including the national ACT/NACADA Outstanding Advisor Award and induction into the Cecil County Faculty Hall of Fame https://patch.com/maryland/perryville/wilhide-provided-advocacy-cecil-college-athletics-was-built. Many of the students he guided went on to build successful careers of their own, a lasting testament to the encouragement and belief he offered to those who needed it most.

Following his retirement, Tom returned to his hometown of Emmitsburg. He remained an enthusiastic supporter of athletics at Mount St. Mary’s University, particularly enjoying lacrosse, rugby, and basketball, and contributed to those teams whenever opportunities arose. Throughout his life he enjoyed staying active, especially through tennis, swimming, and weightlifting.

Tom was also a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Emmitsburg. He volunteered regularly with the Daughters of Charity, assisting Sister Mary Bernadette in visiting homebound residents of the community and in nursing homes. Tom was known as a kind neighbor and loyal friend who was always willing to lend a hand and support others in his community. He also brought joy to those around him, singing heartily during church services and sharing a boisterous laugh that echoed in the hearts of all who knew him.

Tom was preceded in death by his brothers, Stephen D. Wilhide and David A. Wilhide.

He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth K. (Wilhide) Tanner of Towson, Maryland; five nieces and nephews: Brian D. Wilhide (wife, Marian Joy Wilhide), Michael Wilhide (wife, Esel B. Wilhide), Edward J. Tanner (wife, Kristi A. Gabriel), Heather E. Tanner (husband, Peter F. Hill), and Melissa A. Tanner (husband, Dustin D. Meeker); and four great-nieces and nephews, Quinton T. Meeker, Camden J. Meeker, Adelyn G. Hill, and Tanner B. Hill.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Burial will follow at Weller’s Cemetery in Thurmont, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tom’s memory to: • Daughters of Charity Ministries, 333 S. Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 • Servidoras of the Lord, c/o St. Joseph’s Parish, Box 376, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 • Mother Seton School, 100 Creamery Road, Emmitsburg, MD 21727(www.mothersetonschool.org)

Arrangements made by MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, P.A.