Thomas Gladding, JR. ‘58
Tom Gladding died of natural causes peaceful, at home in Casselberry, FL with his family by his side on the 19th of June 2024. He was 88 years old.
A native of Roslyn, NY, Tom attended Roslyn Heights Elementary and Roslyn High School. Graduating in June 1953. He then attended the Severn School in Severna Park, MD for a year of Post Graduate Study before obtaining a Naval Reserve appointment to the Academy. Tom was assigned to the 17th company plebe through second class year. He was transferred to the 13th company first class year and graduated in June of 1958.
On graduation he served in USS BEXAS (APA-237), USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31) and on the staff of the 5th Naval District staff. This was followed by a tour in USS ST PAUL (CA-73) including a deployment to the Viet Nam gun line and duty at Naval Station, ADAK, AK and Fleet Training Center, Newport, RI.
Tom left the Navy to obtain a Med degree from PENN STATE on a Department of Education Fellowship. He then spent several years as an instructor in Marine Technology at Wilmington, NC Technical Institute. In 1978 he was appointed as an Electronic Engineer at the Naval Training Device Center, Orlando, FL. He worked as a Project Engineer, Project Manager and Safety Engineer on both Navy and Army Trainers and facilities for the next twenty-two years. He retired to enjoy his family in 2001.
His wife of 51 years, the former Thelma Anne Hall of Annapolis, predeceased him in 2009. His oldest daughter, Laura Anne Gladding, died in 2007 and son, Thomas Sanford Gladding died in 2019.
Surviving Family includes daughter Mary Lee Gladding-Swann and son Scott Andrew Gladding as well as grandchildren Tyler Gladding and Lauryn Gladding and their mother, Kelli Gladding.
Memorial Services will be held on the 5th of July, 2024 at graveside at All Faiths Memorial Park, Casselberry, FL with full military honors.
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