Colonel Thomas F. Gergen Ret.

Colonel Thomas F. Gergen, Sr. Ret., 89 of Limerick, ME, and North Hampton, NH, passed away early Saturday morning on October 21, 2023 at home.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 2, 1934, Tom was the only child of Frederick and Elizabeth (Kofler) Gergen.

Academic achievements include Tom's graduation as valedictorian of his senior class from  Culver Military Academy,  and later successfully  graduating from Troy University and Air War College.

Tom was a man of numerous talents. He loved flying,  investing in the market,, and was fortunate to find career opportunities that offered both.

After graduating from Air Force pilot training as an Aviation Cadet in 1955, he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and assigned tanker aircrew duties. He quickly advanced to become an aircraft commander and instructor pilot in both KC-97 and KC-135 aircraft. During the Vietnam conflict, Tom flew combat missions in three different type aircraft. His later military career included numerous staff and senior command positions in Operations and Logistics. He retired in 1980, in the rank of Colonel. His military awards included Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.

A few days after his military retirement, Tom began another career as a stock broker in Portsmouth. Twenty three years later, he retired as a Vice President, Investments with A.G. Edwards.

In 1991, he purchased Port City Chrysler and Dodge. He owned and operated his dealership until 2019.

Tom was very involved within his community, exemplified by prior memberships in   the Piscataqua Savings Bank Board of Corporators, the Warwick Club and a life membership of Portsmouth Lodge of Elks.

Tom and his wife Annie enjoyed traveling, wintering in Englewood, Florida,  and entertaining with friends. Most famously, friends remember him  enjoying a Manhattan on the rocks ( with extra cherries), swimming in his pool, sitting on the beach,  and doing things, as Sinatra might say, "his way". Tom will be sorely missed.

Tom was predeceased by his first wife Gloria (Ball) Gergen in 2013.

He is survived by his second wife Annie (Davis) Gergen, who has been by his side for 23 years.

He is also survived by his five children Jane Sholdar and husband Terry, Thomas F. Gergen Jr., Nancy Cziske and husband Durrel, Robert Gergen and James Gergen.

Visitation will be from 11:30AM-1PM with a Funeral Service at 1:00PM Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James Street, Saco. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 11:30AM Friday October 27, 2023 at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Greenland, New Hampshire.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations in Tom's name to UF Davis Cancer Pavilion – 2000 SW Archer Road – Gainsville, FL. 32608