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Thomas Wisbey Obituary
He leaves his wife Karen; two children, Jonathan and Kate; his mother Adelia; siblings Susan Van Alst, Peter and his wife Sarah; brother-in-law Albert C. Reisz and his wife Sunny; and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his father Herbert, sister Jane, and brother-in-law Charles (Skip) Van Alst.
Tom was a beloved son, father, and friend who always put his family first. He grew up in Corning, N.Y. and discovered a lifelong love for sailing during a summer internship as a cabin boy on the Victory Chimes, a three-masted wooden schooner in Maine.
Tom attended Hillsdale College in Michigan where he enjoyed spending time with his TKE fraternity brothers. After Hillsdale, Tom received a Masters Degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. He went on to work as an administrator at community colleges in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Virginia, including years spent as the President of New Hampshire Community Technical College - Manchester/Stratham. In every place that he lived, Tom forged lasting friendships with fellow students, co-workers, sailing enthusiasts, and others. These friendships, along with his close ties with his family, were a source of strength for him throughout his life.
Tom was drafted into the U.S. Army and met his future wife, Karen, while on leave in Greece. He and Karen decided to settle in Eliot, Maine, where they raised their two children. Tom particularly enjoyed sailing the coast of Maine and Massachusetts with family and friends. After retiring, Tom continued to expand his love of learning and education by being involved with the University of New Hampshire's Docent program.
The family will hold private services. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com .
A special gratitude is extended to people who have volunteered to be organ donors and enabled people like Tom to experience more time with their families.
Care for the Wisbey family has been entrusted to the J.S. Pelkey & Son Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Wisbey
Gil Sweet
January 8, 2019
Tom and I worked together at Corning Comm. College in the early 70's. He a Sociology
Professor and I a Counselor with a Bachelors degree in Sociology. We spent many happy hours discussing our mutual interest in sociology and student development. We could not have had a more different upbringing with him having gone to one room rural schools and me growing up in Brooklyn, NY. Perhaps his enthusiasm for sailing rubbed off on me as I continue to sail to this day. I know I loved Tom and his enthusiasm for life & education. I am deeply saddened at his loss at way too young an age. May his memory be for a blessing!
Dennis Smith
January 8, 2019
I had the fortune to work with Dean Wisbey at SVCC. He was a great educator with a kind and caring heart. Keeping his family in my thoughts and prayers.
Suzie Driscoll
January 2, 2019
Dee, I am so sorry about Tom. This must be rough on you and your family. I did meet him a few times in church. Very nice guy. You take good care of yourself. Much love sent your way, Dee and family.
December 24, 2018
Karen and family, So sorry we just heard of Toms passing. Know that we have you and your family in prayer. Yvonne and Eric Cedergren
Evelyn Laux
December 5, 2018
Karen I am so sorry to hear about Tom. Chris and I met him only a few times, I remember him as being so sweet. Our sympathy to you and your family.
Joan Tuck
December 4, 2018
I enjoyed getting to know Tom at Southside Virginia Community College and will always remember his laughter and kindness. My sincere condolences are extended to the family.
Michelle Edmonds
December 4, 2018
Tom was a great friend and mentor to me at SVCC as a new dean. I am so sorry to hear this news. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends. I know he will be missed.
Lindsey Hery
December 4, 2018
Karen and family, I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I enjoyed getting to know Tom since I moved to Laurel Lane a year ago. He was one of the first neighbors to greet me and we crossed paths many times on our walks to the dock. Tom pointed out the two seals that sit together on a rock at low tide. I will think of him each time I see them.
Karen Coleman
December 3, 2018
The Wisbey Family,
All of us at TKE International Headquarters were saddened to hear about the passing of Thomas. We know he was a great and passionate member. We also appreciate his service in the Army. Our thoughts are with your family at this difficult time.
Sincerely, TKE Staff
December 2, 2018
So many fond memories of Tom, Karen, Jon and Kate in Corning, Franconia, New London, York Harbor Beach and Eliot. Sailing Maine we found Islesboro ... Captain Tom will always be with us. Coogans
Sandy Alaimo
December 2, 2018
Karen, I am so sorry about the death of your husband Tom. You and your family are in my prayers.
Orrin Johnson
December 1, 2018
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I had just gotten to know him in the last couple of years. I always liked to see him on his walks around the 'hood. He was always happy and had a big laugh. We had fun digging clams just this past February. My condolences to Karen and all of Tom's family...and friends.
Sally Wentworth-Sullivan
November 30, 2018
Karen and family, sending special thoughts and prayers being sent your way during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories you have of Tom.
Martha Wisbey
November 30, 2018
Thinking of you Tom. You made such a difference in so many lives. You are loved so much. Rest well. Thank you for everything you did for my life. Love to your beautiful family.
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