Thomas Bennett

GORHAM — Thomas Thoburn Bennett Jr., 88, died at Maine Medical on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, from cardiac arrest.
He was born in Portland on March 2, 1926, to Helen B. Curit and Thomas T. Bennett Sr. of Chebeague Island. Tom attended Deering High School, class of 1944, although he left early to go Maine Maritime Academy graduating with a nautical science degree on June 16, 1945, as a third deck officer. He was in the Merchant Marines from 1945 to 1950 and sailed on liberty ships, victory ships, and tankers as 3rd mate. In 1950, he was called into active duty in the Korean War as LTJG and served until 1954 on the APD 136 Carpeliotti.
He married Norma L. Howard in 1950 and they settled Gorham, where they have resided since. Tom enjoyed a career as a Prudential Insurance salesman from 1954 to 1960 and then as vice president of H.A. Stiles Co. from 1960 to 1988.
Tom was an avid down hill and cross country skier and a founding father of the Down East Ski Club in 1948. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol, #2833 volunteering every weekend at Pleasant Mountain, now Shawnee Peak. “Uncle Tom” was a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club 4,000 footers, which he hiked an astounding seven times. He also belonged to the Hiram Lodge of South Portland and was raised as a Master Mason in November of 1954. He was also a member of the Kora Shrine for 50 years. Tom was inducted to the Maine Ski Hall of Fame in 2009. Whether it was his former property on Hio Ridge, Moose Pond, Bridgton, or the yard in the Bank Development, each was meticulously landscaped and maintained by Tom.
Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Norma; son, Peter Joshua Bennett of Draper, Utah; daughter, Jody L. Bennett of South Portland; a cousin; and a grandson.
He was predeceased his father, Thomas T. Bennett Sr., and mother, Helen C. Bennett.
A graveside service was held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 30, at the Eastern Cemetery, Main Street, Gorham. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Condolences to the family may be expressed at  www.doblyfuneralchapels.com
Donations in memory of Tom may be made to the Appalachian Mountain Club or the Russ Haggett Memorial Fund, care of Lake Region High School, Attention Principal, 1877 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, ME.