Thomas Terry Ashford

Thomas “Tommy” Ashford, a proud Marine veteran of the Vietnam War and Commander of The Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 717, passed away peacefully with his wife Patricia by his side on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Hospice Center. He was 76 years old.

Born in Plainfield New Jersey, he was raised in South Plainfield and is an alumni of South Plainfield High School Class of 1966. Tommy spent many years living in Hackensack and Fair Lawn, New Jersey before relocating to Florida, where he made his home for the past 35 years.

He dedicated his life to service—both to his country and his fellow veterans.

Tommy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and left for Paris Island, SC in August of 1966. He received additional training at Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, North Island (San Diego), and Washington, D.C., before deploying to Vietnam. He was wounded in combat and awarded The Purple Heart Medal. His commendations also included the Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Tommy found a sense of purpose and pride in his leadership as Commander of The Military Order of The Purple Heart Chapter 717 and worked to be a resource to Veterans especially through the West Palm Beach Veterans Medical Center. He was so proud when his wife of 22 years, Patricia Ashford, was sworn in as the Chapter’s Adjutant. Together, they worked tirelessly to honor and support their fellow Purple Heart recipients and every Veteran and their family that they encountered.

Tommy enjoyed spending many years vacationing on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. A lover of the “Island Life” Tommy could always be found where there was music, dancing, and a good time with friends anywhere near the beautiful blue waters of the Ocean.

Tommy is survived by his beloved wife Patricia; his stepchildren Scott D’Addario (Susan), Jodi McGowan and Vincent D’Addario; his cherished grandchildren Cody and Tara Ashford, Christopher, Marie and Andrew D’Addario, and Logan DellaSala; his sisters Dale A. Mitchell (Frank) and Susan M. Bergamo. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Corinne Ashford, as well as his children, Christopher Ashford and Sarah A. Ashford.

The family would like to thank the staff at the VAMC Community Living Center and Hospice for their care for Tom in his final months, and especially Dr Michael Silverman.

Funeral services with military honors will be announced at a later date. The family appreciates your understanding as arrangements are finalized. In lieu of flowers, they request donations be made to:

The Military Order of The Purple Heart, Chapter 717

Attn: Craig Wertheim - Finance Officer

8543 Apple Falls Ln

Boca Raton, FL 33496

Tommy will be remembered for his humility, patriotism, unwavering dedication to service, and his enduring love for his family and fellow veterans.