Thomas C Stommel

Thomas Carl Stommel answered his last call on September 21, 2025, at 1:26 am when he passed away peacefully in Baltimore Maryland at the age of 83. He was born in Washington DC on April 20, 1942, to Walter A. Stommel and Eleanor M. Stommel (Hogue).

Thomas grew up in District Heights Maryland and graduated from Suitland High School.

He had a successful career with Washington DC Fire Department. He retired at his 20 year 6 months, 2 days, and half hour mark. He worked at Rescue Squad 3 for 6 months and for the rest of his career he served at Engine 18. He retired as a Technician in September 1983.

Thomas joined the District Heights Volunteer Fire Department when he was just 14 years old. He climbed the ranks and became one of the youngest Chiefs ever in Prince Georges County. He held the title of Chief for over 50 years. During his career as a Firefighter / Emergency Medical Technician / Chief he saved thousands of lives throughout the Washington DC metro area. He served District Heights citizens for 69 years.

He was an instructor at the University of Maryland Fire Rescue Training Institute. He has passed down his knowledge to thousands of firefighters across the state of Maryland. He taught classes up until the beginning of this year.

Chief Stommel could be found on a regular basis doing drills at the fire house, judging fire competitions at the Prince Georges County Volunteer Fire Conventions. His knowledge has been passed on to anyone who was willing to listen and learn.

Chief Stommel was very well respected by both Volunteer and Career personal for being FAIR to everyone. Learn your job, know your job, and pass along the information so others can learn. He never treated anyone differently.

Thomas will be remembered for being fair, kind, caring, loving, fun loving, and for his JOKES. He always had to joke to tell. He loved to cut up and laugh with everyone he met. It didn’t matter who you were. It didn’t matter if you were a family member or a stranger he met on the street. He was going to tell you a joke. Sometimes it wasn’t always appropriate, however it was never done with ill intent. If it was funny he was telling it. As soon as he opened his mouth a joke would come out.

He loved his animals and animals loved him. They seemed to gravitate towards him. He loved playing slot machines, going on vacation with friends and singing. He loved cutting grass with his Kabota tractor or just sitting in the sunroom watching the birds outside.

He was a pillar of strength and a devoted husband to his wife Connie (deceased) for 52 years. We will always remember the love they had for each other. His smile was the biggest when he was with Connie. He was a family man and had 2 daughters Wendy Sue Lott (Stommel) and Elinor Marie Stommel who he was extremely proud of. He had a son-in-law Brian (Randy) Lott who was more like a son to him.

Thomas answered his last fire alarm by passing away peacefully and responding to heaven with the lights and sirens blaring. We are sure he arrived sliding into heavens gates sideways ready to tell a joke.

Thomas is preceded in death by his wife Connie Marie Stommel (Clark), his parents Walter and Eleanor Stommel, his brother William Stommel.

He is survived by his loving children Wendy Lott (Stommel), Elinor Stommel, his son in law Brian (Randy) Lott, his sister Shelley Sansbury (Stommel) and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Service Information

Sunday October 5, 2025

Location: Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department

4030 Old Huntingtown Road, Huntingtown MD 20639

Viewing times: 0900-11:00 hrs.

12:00-14:00 hrs.

Fire Department Service: 14:30 hrs.

Funeral Procession: Following Services

Repass: Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Thomas Carl Stommel's Funeral Service Live Stream.

https://youtube.com/live/O82pMe6PxIE