Philip A. Twomey

Philip A. Twomey July 31, 1937 - September 19, 2012 New London - Philip A. Twomey, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army, (Retired) passed away on September 19, 2012 in New London. He was 75 years old. He was born on July 31, 1937 in Norwich to Frances and John Twomey. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marie Twomey, of New London, two daughters, Patricia Twomey (Curtis Lind) and Elizabeth Rychling, both of Las Vegas, Nevada, two grandsons, Daniel Meuse (Kristen) of Cranston, Rhode Island, and Eric Meuse of Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Abigail Martha Meuse and John Philip (Jack) Meuse. Also surviving are two sisters, Peggy Blake and Isabelle Aleskiewicz (Matthew), both of Norwich, and a sister-in-law, Helga Twomey of New London, niece Carolyn Pryor (Edward), nephews John P.Twomey (Gary Baillargeon), William (Shawna), Charles, John, David, and Thomas Blake, and Michael Aleskiewicz (Elena). He was predeceased by his parents and his twin brother, Thomas M. Twomey. He was a cum laude graduate of Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut, with distinction in the major field (Chemistry). He was employed as a chemist and laboratory manager by Pfizer, Inc., At the time of his retirement, he managed all laboratories involved with the manufacture of finished products at the Pfizer Groton, Connecticut manufacturing site. He was recognized by the U.S. Federal Court system as an expert in penicillin chemistry and in the manufacture of penicillin products. He retired from Pfizer in 1996, and then concentrated on operating an Information Technology company servicing small businesses in the southeastern Connecticut area. He began his collegiate and military career as a member of the Class of 1959, U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He left the Coast Guard Academy, joined the U.S. Army and completed his military career over a period of some 30 years, both on active duty and in the US Army Reserve. He served in leadership positions throughout his career, including Company First Sergeant, and then Command Sergeant Major at Battalion, Brigade, Maneuver Training Command, and Division levels. He also served as the Commandant of a First Army Senior NCO Academy. His awards include the Legion of Merit, three awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation medal, and the Army Achievement medal as well as many lesser awards, decorations and citations. He was classified as an expert in all weapons systems available to the Light Weapons Infantryman. He was an accomplished golfer and one of the original members of Fox Hopyard Golf Course. He was also a long time member of the Shennecossett Golf Course where he scored the first three of his four holes-in-ones. A second avocation that provided him with many hours of enjoyment was photography. In retirement, he volunteered his services to support the technology hardware at Saint Joseph School in New London, and at Saint Patrick Cathedral School in Norwich. He also served as a Technology instructor at both schools. Calling hours are Thursday from 5-8 P.M. at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 A.M. Friday in St. Patrick Cathedral, Norwich, with interment to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph School in New London or St. Patrick School in Norwich.