Thomas Earl Hardy

Thomas E. Hardy entered the Air Force in 1952 in order to provide for his mother. He attended aircraft and engineering mechanic school. Initially he was a ground mechanic as well as the flying crew chief on the C-47, C119, B-29, T- 3TB-29, and KB-29. In 1956 he became a flight mechanic on the TB-29, B-50, C-97’s. Tom progressed in his education and in 1957 he became a flight engineer on the C-124 Aircraft. His expertise promoted him to an instructor/flight examiner on the C-141. He was the initial cadre (instructor) on the C-5A in 1970. During his military career he flew all over the world. He was permanently stationed over seas in Tripoli and Alaska. Had numerous TDY’s to Germany, France, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Philippines, and Chile, Congo, Antarctica and support missions in Tule Greenland. Tom earned the 5,000 hour and 10,000 hour safe flying award. He flew 10,000 hours for one squadron alone. In total he flew 12,500 hours total during his career.

While at Charleston Air Force Base he worked with the youth center and was a Cub Scout master with 110 scouts; 20 of which were from a local catholic orphanage. His hobbies were carpentry and automobiles. He was involved in many construction projects in the squadron and wing headquarters. He received numerous commendations for his work. Tom was very artistic. He built many award winning holiday displays for his home and the squadron with the majority of the decorations being hand made. Most of Tom’s themes were based on the current movie or various events at that time such as the space shuttle launch blended in with the Christmas spirit. He decorated his home in Palm Springs for 34 years.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1972, he moved with his family to Palm Springs Florida. Tom worked as a letter carrier and a driver trainer for the post office. In 1989, he retired with 37 ½ years of federal service. He was a charter and life member of the local Air Force Sergeants Association, Chapter 558, in Lake Worth. He was President for a term and held many officer positions during his lifetime. The charitable work of this organization was numerous and including providing scholarships to high school ROTC students. He was also a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans and the VFW #2007. Tom’s passion was always for cars. He customed a car while an airman that was featured in an edition of Popular Mechanics. A car he took his now wife to the prom in. That car was sold when children became part of the family. Later he customized the same car in detail enjoying it until his death. The car is a convertible and was used in many parades in many cities in the area and at the fairgrounds for the state fair. The car titled “Floridian Ford” won many awards especially from the voting public. Tom was an active member of the Classic Cruiser’s Club.

Tom died at age 82. He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Jerry Hardy, his daughter Lynda Coppola, son-in-law Dr. Anthony Coppola, grandson Thomas Coppola, grandson and wife Dr. John Anthony Coppola and Christina Coppola, Esq., sister in laws Dorothy Chaney, Betty Peace, Barbara Barkley and Clara Hardy. Many great nieces and nephews as well as several great great nieces and nephews survived him. He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his daughter Tammie Hardy King and her husband William King, Jr.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday June 24 at 10am at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 2892 S. Congress Ave, Palm Springs. Interment will follow at Lake Worth Memory Gardens.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday June 23 from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8 pm at the Dorsey- E. Earl Smith Funeral Home, Lake Worth.

In lieu of flowers, family requesting donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, 10701 South Military Trail, Boynton Beach, FL 33436. [email protected]