Thomas Burgess Wisbey, 72, passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2018. He leaves his wife Karen; two children, Jonathan and Kate; his mother Adelia; siblings Susan Van Alst, Peter and his wife Sarah; brother-in-law Albert C. Reisz and his wife Sunny; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father Herbert, sister Jane, and brother-in-law Charles (Skip) Van Alst.
Tom was a beloved son, father, and friend who always put his family first. He grew up in Corning, New York and discovered a lifelong love for sailing during a summer internship as a cabin boy on the Victory Chimes, a three-masted wooden schooner in Maine. Tom attended Hillsdale College in Michigan where he enjoyed spending time with his TKE fraternity brothers. After Hillsdale, Tom received a Masters Degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. He went on to work as an administrator at community colleges in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Virginia, including years spent as the President of New Hampshire Community Technical College-Manchester/Stratham. In every place that he lived, Tom forged lasting friendships with fellow students, co-workers, sailing enthusiasts, and others. These friendships, along with his close ties with his family, were a source of strength for him throughout his life.
Tom was drafted into the U.S. Army and met his future wife, Karen, while on leave in Greece. He and Karen decided to settle in Eliot, Maine, where they raised their two children. Tomparticularly enjoyed sailing the coast of Maine and Massachusetts with family and friends. After retiring, Tom continued to expand his love of learning and education by being involved with the University of New Hampshire's Docent program.
The family will hold private services. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome .com . A special gratitude is extended to people who have volunteered to be organ donors and enabled people like Tom to experience more time with their families.