Thomas Robert Wiley

Thomas Wiley Obituary

MANCHESTER - Thomas Robert Wiley, "Tom," 91, died surrounded by family on Oct. 31, 2015. He was the son of Dorothy and William Wiley and was born in Flushing, N.Y.

Tom was a decorated Navy pilot during World War II, flying 55 combat missions in the Pacific and receiving an Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. After his service, he graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in management engineering. He had a very successful career as a manufacturing engineer, at one point working at Sanders Associates on electronic counter measures used to protect pilots from SAM missiles during the Vietnam war.

After retirement, Tom moved to Florida and volunteered as a math tutor helping many young people complete their GED. He was recognized as one of the top 15 volunteers out of the 8,000 per year in Florida. He continued his volunteer work at Birch Hill Terrace where he lived the remainder of his years and was a funny and faithful pen pal to many young children through his years there.

Tom loved to travel, enjoyed music, playing cards and dancing. He is survived by his loving brother and sister; Pat Wiley and Joan Rose; and his four loving children, Sharon, Lynn, Meg and Tom. He was predeceased by his brother Alan. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren, Katie, Jen, Rory, Max, Caroline, Kristin, Kara, Jamie, Chantel and John; and his three great-grandchildren, Lexi, McKenna and Avery.

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services: A Memorial Service will be held at Birch Hill Terrace on Nov. 28 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to: Children's Friend and Family Services, 110 Boston Road, Salem, MA. This is an organization that helps mentor children and something that was important to Tom during his life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Union Leader on Nov. 3, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Wiley

7 Entries

John (Doc) Merrick

November 29, 2015

Tom, Im sorry your gone and I didn't get to attend your memorial yesterday.... missed the notice. You are one of the more interesting, caring individual I've met in my time on the planet. I appreciate the visit (invite) to your one of many educational and informative talks on the fear of flying,,,NOT. I'm sure your children realize how proud you are of them and their accomplishments. Although I've never met them I feel I know them all. You rest in peace my friend.

November 18, 2015

Sorry for your loss. The loss of a dad is hard. He was my dads cribbage buddy. Maybe they are playing cards again.

Kathy Manning Vachon

Mae Mitchell

November 9, 2015

Irene Vetter and Patricia Schropshire, GED teachers, Matile Hendry, Volunteer Coordinator, and myself, Clearwater Adult Education Center, Arcturas Annex Coordinator, extend our sincere condolences. Tom was an important part of our school as a volunteer math tutor and as a unique individual. His math workbook and his one-to-one tutoring helped countless students prepare for their GED exam. He won many honors as a volunteer at our school and was thought of as part of our GED program. Tom was special to us. Our prayers are with the family during this sad time.

Kathy Johnston

November 7, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. I am the third grade teacher at St. Benedict Academy where I had the pleasure of working with Tom for the last 8 years as he was part of the third grade pen-pal program. Tom really made an impression on those children he wrote to, some of them were still keeping in touch with him. Tom will be greatly missed by everyone in our school, every year he visited all the students to teach and share about his flying years. He was a great role model to all our students. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Kathy Danner

November 4, 2015

Dearest Lynn and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I know from our conversations how very special he was and how much joy and laughter he brought to you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you find your way through this loss. God be with you all.

Karen Wynne

November 4, 2015

Sharon and family, very sorry for your loss. I didn't know your dad well but I recall many stories. He had a life's energy that most people only envy and he was active throughout it all. He lived his life well.

Kelly Culhane

November 3, 2015

Please accept our deepest condolences. My son, Liam, was Tom's last pen pal, and we had the pleasure of receiving one letter from him, as well as the huge pleasure of meeting him at the birch hill trick or treating just nine days ago. We had a wonderful conversation with him and had a photo taken as well. It quickly came apparent to us what a remarkable man he was and how much he loved his family. We heard about his children, grand children, and great grand children, with one on the way. He spoke about all nine of his pen pals, and about his amazing career and time as a pilot. Ironically, I was reading the book Unbroken at the time that I met him, and he referred to that book in our conversation. In our little time that we knew Mr. Tom, he touched our lives. My son went to bed last night saying prayers for him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. The Culhane family.

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