Thomas Everett Thibodeau, 79, of Friendship, passed away peacefully on Nov. 3 with his family and loving wife by his side.
Tommy was born in Friendship on Jan. 22, 1933, to Joseph and Myrtle Simmons Thibodeau. He grew up in Friendship and attended Friendship schools.
In 1952 he joined the Navy and served his country for a total of eight years including four years in the reserves, after which he received an honorable discharge. He was a commissary and gunners mate on the S.S. Savage which was based in South Carolina. While he was home on leave, he married the love of his life, Nancy Carlson.
After his time in serving his country, Tommy and Nancy made their home in Friendship. Tommy excelled in his career in lobstering. Over the course of his years in this business, he owned a total of 33 lobster boats. Five of these boats he helped build and one he kept for only one week before selling it.
One of the many talents Tom was known for was his expertise in buying and selling. He did so well that people wanted to borrow his “For Sale” sign, saying that if they used it, their items would be sure to sell.
He was quite a prankster when on his boat. Some of his buddies would haul their traps only to find vegetables, pumpkins, or even a bicycle in their traps. One time he decided that his grandson needed some help keeping his pants held up, so Tom fashioned a belt and some suspenders out of rope.
Tommy and his wife celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in October. Together they raised three children.
He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Arthur Tainter; sister, Eleanor Tibbitts; and brother, Jody Thibodeau.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons, Gary and girlfriend Colleen of Waldoboro, and Nathan and wife Heidi of Friendship; daughter, Renee of Friendship; grandchildren, Steven Cowan and wife Julie of Friendship, Adam Thibodeau and wife Angelia of Waldoboro, Alicia Thibodeau and boyfriend Elliot Montgomery of Friendship, Nathan Thibodeau of Waldoboro, grandson and stern man of many years, Aaron Tainter and wife Erin of New Jersey, Zachary Tainter, Caleb Tainter, and Simon Tainter of Friendship, and Sarah Gaudette Tainter of Camden; great-grandchildren, Genevieve Cowan and Izabella Montgomery of Friendship, Lei-Ann, C.J. and Nancy Thibodeau of Waldoboro, and Lilianna Gaudette of Camden; brothers, Dana Davis and wife Marge of Boothbay and Theron Thibodeau and wife Irene of Friendship; sisters, Virginia Thompson of Friendship and Barbara Simmons and husband Wayne of Waldoboro; uncle, Melvin Simmons of Cushing; aunt, Glenys Harrington of Friendship; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services 10 a.m., Fri., Nov. 9 at Hall Funeral Home in Waldoboro with Rev. Alan Chamberlain officiating. Burial will be held at the Harbor Cemetery.
You are invited to share your condolences with the Thibodeau family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
