Thomas A. Moore

We are sad to announce that Thomas A. Moore passed away on January 4, 2026, at the Green Mountain Nursing Center in Colchester, VT, with his son Alan and daughter-in-law, Heidi, at his bedside.

Thomas was born in Gardner, MA, on May 22, 1932, to the late Kenneth and Cecelia (Borey) Moore. He was raised in East Templeton and attended Templeton schools. At 17 years old, Tommy left Templeton High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he became a member of an elite unit that existed for only 6 years (1946-1952) in U.S. history. The U.S. Constabulary acted as an occupation and security force in post war, devastated Germany. With it's moto of Mobility, Vigilance, and Justice, the Germans referred to them as " Blitz- Polizei" or "Lightning Police". Fellow American units referred to them as the Circle C- Cowboys for their distinctive circle-c lightning bolt patch, along with a spit and polish image. Upon returning home, Tom married Sally Reinikainen on June 13, 1953, at the West Street Lutheran Church and shared almost 70 years of a beautiful marriage.

In 1955, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Air Force reserve and was recalled to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis, where he trained with both the 82nd and 101st Airborne, practicing Air drops. In April of 1963, Tommy was seriously injured when the C-119 on which he was a crewmember crashed upon landing at Barnes Air base and he was ejected onto the runway at 90 mph. Tom recovered and continued to fly with the Air Reserve throughout the Vietnam era on C-141's, retiring in 1975 from the Air Reserve.

Tom worked at Lily Chemical Company both in Gardner and Templeton, retiring in 1993 after 32 years with the memory of many good friendships. Upon their retirement, Tom and Sally travelled extensively throughout the U.S. but never missed an important event in their grandchildren's lives. Tommy had some regrets about leaving school early, but never regretted his military service. He always encouraged the importance of education for his son and grandchildren.

Tom was a member of the Sergeants Association and the U.S. Constabulary Association, of which he attended reunions across the country. He was also a proud member of VFW Post 905 and served with their Honor Guard for many years. He was a congruent at the Chestnut Street United Methodist Church.

Tom was predeceased by his wife, Sally, and brother Richard Hazard. Tom is survived by a sister, Eleanor L'Ecuyer of Florida, a son, Alan, and wife Heidi of Essex Junction, VT. Three grandchildren, Korinne Berenson (Dan) of Needham, MA, Joshua Moore (Katie) of Jericho, VT, and Callie Amato(Jeff) of Williston, VT. Tom also leaves 6 great grandchildren, Eliza and Noah Berenson, Payton Moore, Stella, Gabby, and Lennon Amato, along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11 am in the Mack Family Funeral Home, Gardner Chapel, 105 Central St., Gardner.  Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Gardner.

A calling hour will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 10-11 am in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in his memory to the Gardner VFW Post 905, 22 Elm St., Gardner, MA 01440.

To send an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.

Mack Family Funeral Home, Gardner Chapel, 105 Central St., Gardner, is directing arrangements.