William G. Thom

William George Thom (Bill) passed away on 1/3/2024 in Gainesville, VA.
Bill was born August 9, 1945, in Brooklyn, NY to George and Helen Thom (nee Maliszewski). He grew up in the Maspeth section of Queens near the family flower farm. He was the oldest of two, his sister Margaret, 7 years his junior. Growing up he spent his time hanging around Caldwell Street. He was the proud product of New York City public school system, graduating from Grover Cleveland HS in 1963, where he played basketball. He attended SUNY New Paltz where he met is future wife of 55 years, Dale Thom (nee Schlueter). He graduated with a BS in African Studies ('67) and immediately began work for the fledgling Defense Intelligence Agency as an analyst for Africa, relocating to the Northern Virginia area where he would live out his life. This began a distinguished 34-year career, the last 14 were spent as the Defense Intelligence Officer within the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service, as the highest DIA position for Africa. His work with DIA provided many opportunities. He was able to attend the US Army War College (Class of '82), work a three-year post at EUCOM in Stuttgart, Germany, and travel to nearly every country in sub-Saharan Africa. At the completion of his career, he was awarded the rank of Meritorious Executive.
Bill became a train fan(atic), he was particularly passionate about the New York Connecting Railroad (NYCCR) that ran near his childhood home in Queens. He joined and later served as president of the NYCRR Society that sought to preserve the history of this important rail line that continues to run today. Bill was a self-described amateur weatherman, an interest in meteorology that he passed down to his sons. He coached his sons in several sports, most notably baseball through Coles Little League where he briefly also served on the board or directors.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents George and Helen. He is survived by his wife Dale Margaret Thom (nee Schlueter), his sister Margaret Badillo (Nelson), three sons, Jason (Tammy), Christian, and Brock (Sara), and two granddaughters Rylynn and Britton Thom.
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A viewing and service will be held at Mountcastle Turch funeral home 4143 Dale Blvd, Dale City, VA 22193. The viewing will be Monday January 15, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. A service will be held Tuesday January 16 at 10 a.m. to be followed by processional and burial at Stonewall Memory Gardens 12004 Lee Hwy, Manassas, VA 20109.