More detail on this person: WILLIAMSBURG -
LTC Thomas William Moritz (ret.) passed away on
Sept. 17, 2011, due to complications from
pneumonia. His strong faith and prayer sustained
him through many illnesses.
Tom was a humble man who led an extraordinary
life. Born Nov. 2, 1937, in Wooster, Ohio, he
learned the values of hard work and a strong
faith, through it all he remained a farm boy at
heart. Tom attended the University of Dayton for
his undergraduate degree and later earned a
Masters in Business Administration at the
University of Akron.
After college he began a 21-year career in the
U.S. Army, serving as an Airborne Ranger and
Helicopter Pilot. His dedication and bravery
earned him the respect of his peers and superiors
alike. His service included two combat tours in
the Republic of Vietnam where he was awarded the
Distinguished Flying Cross, Five Bronze Stars for
Valor and 23 Air Medal citations representing over
350 combat missions. Tom's Army career took him
to eight duty stations in three countries and
culminated with a Battalion Command tour of one of
the largest aviation battalions in the U.S. Army.
After retirement from the Army, Tom started and
ran his own advertising business, TV Facts, for 18
years and then held an advertising position with
the Daily Press.
Tom was an avid gardener and cook, both of which
he learned while growing up on the farm in
Wooster. He was member in both the Newport
News and Kingsmill Garden Clubs and loved to
share his passion with friends and family alike. A
devout Catholic, Tom was an active member of St.
Jerome Catholic Church in Newport News and later,
St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg during
his retirement years.
Tom's warm smile and keen interest in others made
him a true friend, a natural mentor and a beloved
husband, father, and grandfather. He always gave
unconditional love, support and guidance. He was
an unbelievable role model to everyone surrounding
him.
He was preceded in death in 2005 by his wife of 40
years, Joyce Moritz.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Barbara Wyles of
Falls Church, Va. Tom leaves a legacy of five
loving children, Lisa and Shannon Smith, Suzanne
and Eric Burke, Tom Jr. and Militza Moritz, Julie
and Joe Santoro and Jay Moritz. He has three
grandchildren, Cameron and Gavin Burke and Taylor
Smith. Tom is also survived by his sister, Marge
Galehouse; and his brother, John Moritz, both
living in Ohio.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 19, at Peninsula Funeral Home,
Newport News. A Funeral Mass will be conducted
at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at St. Bede Catholic
Church, Williamsburg, with the Rev. Jan Dolny
officiating. Tom will be buried at Arlington
National Cemetery later this year.
Memorial donations may be made in Tom's memory
to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.
View and post condolences on our online
guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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