15 December, 2023
Thomas Richard VanFossen Jr., 79, of Hopkinton, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Helene (Cummiskey) and Thomas Richard VanFossen Sr. He was the beloved husband of 47 years to the late Ruth (Kelley) VanFossen.
Thomas Richard Van Fossen Jr. received his bachelor’s degree from Penn State and served as Copilot and subsequently, Aircraft Commander, with the 176th Assault Helicopter Company stationed in Chu Lai, Vietnam and 61st Assault Helicopter Companies stationed in An Khe, Vietnam. He was awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, a Bronze Star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After leaving the military, he worked for a number of years for GE, Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky Aircraft as a Subcontract Manager in the Aerospace Industry. In retirement, he enjoyed playing bridge, watching soccer and bragging about his grandchildren.
Thomas is survived by his children, Brian Thomas VanFossen and his wife, Betsi, of San Diego, California, Mary-Kate VanFossen and her husband, Justin Gadsby, of Hopkinton, MA and Amy VanFossen and her husband, Chris Dimitri, of Arlington, MA. A beloved grandpop, he also leaves behind his grandchildren, Emily VanFossen, Braeden and Emerson Gadsby and Anderson and Beckett Dimitri.
A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, Habitat for Humanity or Operation Delta Dog. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com
