Thomas A. Dole
October 19, 1945 – June 08, 2026
Thomas A. Dole, 80, passed away on June 8, 2026.
Tom was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 19, 1945 – the anniversary of the surrender at Yorktown – to C. Russell and Ruth Tejan Dole. Family lore holds that, while traveling in the early 1950s, his father sent a birthday telegram, “Cornwallis surrenders today at Yorktown,” commemorating the historic date, only to be visited by the FBI, who wondered whether the message was code for some sinister communist plot.
Tom met his wife, Mary, on a blind date in Dayton, Ohio. There, they discovered a shared love of New England and a dream of owning a general store. They married and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December 2025. After visiting Vermont, they settled on F. Sherwin & Sons, a stationery store in Wells River, which they owned and operated for several years. Tom also worked as a salesman for various companies specializing in industrial hardware.
A lifelong sports fan, Tom relished the golden years of Woody Hayes’ dominance at Ohio State, following the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl and other big games in the 1970s. While in Ohio, he was a proud member of the Optimist Club and, decades later, still delighted in sharing stories of the group's adventures and hijinks with anyone willing to listen. He never met a story that couldn't be improved by telling it one more time.
Tom became active in civic affairs, serving in various offices and on committees in Newbury and, later, in Ryegate after moving there in 1991. He was also deeply involved with St. Johnsbury Country Club and took immense pride in helping guide the club through an ambitious program of clubhouse renovation and improvement. He made a few birdies along the way, too. At home, he was the unquestioned authority on Christmas tree decorating. No one else was asked, or allowed, to help as he hung so many ornaments that scarcely a hint of green remained visible.
Tom is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons, Andrew and Matthew; his all-but-adopted daughter, Cheryl Marchetti; Cheryl's daughter, Kelsey; and Kelsey’s daughter, Maeve.
Per his wishes, services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kingdom Animal Shelter, 1161 Portland St, St Johnsbury, VT 05819, where he once served on the board.
To offer the family an online condolence, please visit www.rickerfh.com Ricker Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Woodsville is assisting the family with arrangements.