Thomas E. Woolcock September 5, 1928 ~ July 27, 2008
Pebble Beach – Born in Eveleth, Minnesota, Tom began his U.S. Navy career in 1946 as a college student, then entered aviation training which was completed in 1950. Tom served in various squadrons aboard carriers for several years. In 1962, he completed his degree at the Naval Postgraduate School. In 1963, while stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a test pilot, he met and married Mary Sue Daniel, a native of Texas. From 1966 to 1970, Tom was engaged in combat missions against North Vietnam. He was awarded medals, which included the Navy Cross, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. In 1970, Tom attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI, where he earned a Masters Degree in International Relations, and was promoted to the rank of Captain. From 1971 to 1974, Tom served in the Pentagon. Retiring in 1974, Tom and Sue retired to Pebble Beach, where they found earthly paradise.
Tom is survived by his wife, Sue; sisters, Doris and Marcia and brother, Charles, all of Minnesota. There are numerous nieces and nephews. Tom will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him. His courage and grace in poor health was an inspiration to everyone. In lieu of flowers, donations to one's choice would be an honor to his memory.
Funeral Services in Tom's honor will be Friday, August 1, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. at The Little Chapel by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove. Burial with military honors will follow at the El Carmelo Cemetery, Pacific Grove. Friends may go on-line to www.thepaulmortuary.com to sign the guest book and leave messages for the family.
Published in the Monterey Herald from 7/31/2008 - 8/1/2008