Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Thomas Piel Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Thomas Edward Joseph Piel, D.C. passed away in Belfast on Sunday, July 28, 2024 with his loving wife and family by his side. He was born in St. Louis on July 10, 1951, to Thomas and Helen Piel, and grew up in Warson Woods, a suburb of St. Louis.
Thomas attended parochial schools, graduating from St. Louis University High School in 1969, after spending his freshman year at Vincentian Seminary in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He attended St. Louis University for one year, and graduated from Logan Chiropractic College in 1975. He entered the field of chiropractic encouraged and groomed by his uncle, Joseph Walkenbach, D.C., with whom he first practiced in Missouri before moving to Belfast in 1976.
Thomas fell in love with the state of Maine, and his future wife, the former Rebecca Doak of Waldo. They worked side by side at his practice in Belfast for 47 years.
Dr. Piel was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi church. He loved his large extended family, and was especially close to his many nieces and nephews. Dr. Piel truly loved his profession and was continually researching and looking for ways to help his patients.
He enjoyed golf, fishing, helping his father-in-law on the farm, spending time at the lake and also very much enjoyed attending all of his nieces and nephews sporting and school events.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rebecca (Doak), his sister Linda Gwyn and husband Bill, and sister Pamela Kentish and husband Edward.
A family funeral Mass and private burial were held on July 31, 2024. Memories and condolences may be shared on his tribute wall.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dawn Watson
March 30, 2025
I was truly blessed to have Thom and Becky in my life. He was so caring and would take me in an emergency after hours ( thanks to Becky´s extraordinary skills on helping me get in!) Thom was a very intuitive Dr. and NEVER gave up on updating his knowledge. " ONE OF A KIND FOR SURE! I am sure everyone else thought the same of him. He loved helping people and as Becky would say " he would still be working in his old age, even if he had to crawl from his truck and up the stairs to his practice". RIP Thom, you kept me from a life in a wheelchair. When I needed an antibiotic he would send to Asia as here in our country they hadn´t recognized the 3rd strain of Lime Disease. The two of them were so so caring and loving.
May Our Lord keep you in his arms Becky-we LOVE you.
Nancy Lynn
August 16, 2024
I was extremely fortunate when my massage therapist recommended me to Dr Tom because even though he rarely took on new patients he took me on. It was in 1999 and I always considered him my primary care doctor. When I´d visit him I´d always leave out a few details to test him. He never failed. He would also draw me out, I´d come for one thing but he´d want to know it all and it was always like a recovered memory, when doctors actually cared about their people. When my beloved dog had a small surgical procedure, the vet tech left a staple in the wound and he was in terrible discomfort. Tom gave me some herbs and complicated instructions and after a few days the staple eased out on its own. He was a thoughtful independent spirit and was constantly learning new ways to treat his people. The last time I had occasion to seek his care, I was moved by his quiet adoration and love for Becky. Even though I´d always know them as one, I watched Tom thoughtlessly move Becky´s hair out of her eyes. The gentle gesture stayed with me. How lovely and wonderful to know such love. Nancy L
Linda Bowe
August 7, 2024
Tom and Becky, our Dynamic Duo, have taken care of my family and me for the past 40 years; we cannot thank you enough for all you have done for us. There were so many times we called up Becky with an emergency and she and Tom fit us in so we could be treated, whether for an aching joint, a trauma, or a flu bug or virus. You two were always so welcoming and caring and we loved hearing Tom's corny jokes. Tom's death creates a hole in our community and we hope that Becky will always consider us family as you trudge through this tremendous loss. With love, the Bowe-Cohen-Walton family.
Tom Jamieson
August 6, 2024
I will remember Tom for his consummate skill and good humor. I will miss him.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Toni Farrell
August 6, 2024
I am so sorry to learn of Tom's passing. He has helped me countless times over nearly a 50 year span. He was a true healer who would go out of his way to help me when I had intense pain. I loved his devotion and skillful practice. I am very sad, especially for Becky and his family. My heart goes out to her.
Squidge Davis
August 6, 2024
Tears begin as I think of how long I have known, appreciated and loved Tom and Becky (the most wonderful team!) I had heard from a friend that there was a very gifted new chiropractor who worked with his wife in town who might help with my crippling back problem. I made an appointment right away and continued with seasonal as well as emergency treatments for all of the 47 years Tom served his community; swiftly coming to love and appreciate both Tom and Becky. Tom always spent a full hour and I often applied the word "genius" to his mix of intuition and rigor. He began with a gift and serious training and continued to study and explore the cutting edge of healing. In very difficult times - such as after a serious accident - he would call me at home to check in. More tears, gushing now.
Once, when I ran over my leg with my truck after jumping in to try to stop it from rolling down hill, Becky came out to my house to deliver remedies.
Another time, driving by their house, I saw Tom - squatting down with his arms spread wide - and a little boy, just let out of a truck by the road, running full speed into his uncle's arms. It was like that for all of us whose bodies needed
Barbaria Maria
August 5, 2024
Barbaria Maria
Tom, along with Becky, cared for so many of us in this community for so long. He will be deeply missed. Such a kind, funny, dedicated, attentive and true healer. I will think of him always with gratitude & love.
David Lothrop
August 5, 2024
Tom and Becky genuinely cared for all those who walked through the door and took an active interest in everyone, individually. In addition to being a Master Chiropractor, Tom was always up for a good joke. My first memory is of Tom saying that if I wanted to walk when I'm in my 70's, I better get that right foot taped.! He will be missed by so many.
Lisa Kushner
August 5, 2024
Tom had a special gift and was tremendously respected. He helped so many people and leaves an appreciative legacy in his care of our community.
Tracey Outerbridge
August 5, 2024
He was healer.This is a huge loss!Tom was my go to guy(for 30 years)to fix any problem with my body.He was genuinely interested in helping and sharing what was connected throughout the body.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast, ME 04915
Make a Donation
in Thomas Piel's name
People and places connected with Thomas
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Piel'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
