Thomas P. Foley

NEW BERN - Thomas Peter Foley, October 25, 1926 – May 25, 2011, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease, passed away peacefully at his home in New Bern, N.C. He was born and raised in Worcester, Mass. where he graduated at age 19 from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.

Tom served in the United States Army as an engineer for the guided missile program at White Sands, N.M. during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge, he worked overseas and in the United States. During his career, he was awarded 27 patents and became a successful entrepreneur, founding two companies specializing in motion control technology.

Tom touched the lives of many people through his volunteer work at S.C.O.R.E in New Bern, and his passion for teaching creative thinking. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Reasylvia Foley, his daughters Moira Plett and Sylvia Foley, and granddaughters Alexa and Rebecca Plett.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 13, 2011, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 616 Broad Street, New Bern.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 40, PO Box 13563, New Bern NC 28561..