Mr. Francis T. “Tom” Thomas Wall, age 89, of Peabody, died Friday in Beverly Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Lillian M. (Mansfield) Wall, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.
Born in Lynn on August 13, 1923, Tom, as he was known to all, was the son of the late Joseph G. and Mary E. (Cuffe) Wall. He attended Lynn Schools and was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School Class of 1942. He later graduated from MIT in 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and then obtained his Engineering and Business Degree from Northeastern University in 1957.
A proud U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Tom served in the Pacific Theatre on the aircraft carrier, Shamrock Bay. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal (2 gold stars), the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal (2 gold stars), the Philippine Liberation medal (1 gold star), the Purple Heart and the Naval Reserve Medal. He remained in the Naval Reserves for 39 years until he retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1983.
Thomas later graduated from the GE Apprentice Program in 1950. He started as a Tool and Die Maker and retired as a Manufacturing Engineer. For many years, he taught classes in mathematics and blue print reading at Lynn Trade High School for State Tool & Die apprentices.
He was a proud lifetime member of the VFW and longtime member of the German Club, where he served as Vice President. An avid stamp collector for over 50 years, he was a longtime member of stamp clubs in Florida and Beverly. He tried to interest others in the hobby, even making up stamp starter kits for students. He was a former longtime member of the Lynn Fish & Game Association. In early years, he was an excellent golfer winning several tournaments. Until recently, he split his time between Massachusetts and Kissimmee, FL where he got plenty of use out of his annual passes to Disney World and Sea World.
In addition to his wife, he leaves two sons, Thomas Wall and his wife Donna of Nashua, NH and Kevin Wall and his wife MaryAnn of Amesbury; two daughters, Debra Bridgham and her husband William of Lynn and Cathy Psehoyas and her husband Peter of Georgetown. He was the Grandfather to James Bridgham and his wife Becky of Colorado, Daniel Bridgham and his wife Erin of New Hampshire and Peter, Michael and Matthew Psehoyas of Georgetown. Tom is also survived by 4 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
At Tom’s request, there will be no funeral service. Burial with Military Honors will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Tom’s memory may be sent to the VFW Post of one’s choice.
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