Mr. Thomas “Tom” Baechle, a devoted and respected family man, passed away peacefully at the age of 97, on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Life Care Center of Gray, Tennessee.
Born in Utica, New York on January 28, 1929, Tom lived a life defined by service, faith, and dedication to those around him. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1948 to 1952 aboard the USS Daly (DD-519), receiving an honorable discharge in 1952.
Following his military service and after attending Bryant College, Tom built a distinguished career with Mobil Oil Corporation in New York, NY, where he worked from 1954 until his retirement in 1991. Over the course of his career, he served as an accountant, supervisor, and assistant controller, earning the respect of colleagues for his diligence and integrity.
In 1955, Tom married the love of his life, Helen Janet Merritt. Together they shared 49 years of marriage until her passing in 2004. Their enduring partnership was a cornerstone of his life.
Tom resided in several communities throughout his life, including Utica, NY; Fort Lee and Hazlet, NJ; Hendersonville, NC; Westfield, MA; Jonesborough, TN; and Johnson City, TN. In each place, he left a lasting impression through his kindness and active involvement.
A man of deep faith, Tom served as an Extraordinary Minister at St. Benedict Church in Hazlet, NJ (1962-1975), Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville, NC (1993-2004), and Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Westfield, MA (2005-2009). He was a life member of Knights of Columbus Council #4264 and a Fourth-Degree member of Archbishop Williams Assembly #388 in Massachusetts, where he served as Faithful Purser.
Tom led an active and engaged life. He enjoyed volunteering at concession stands for football games at St. John Vianney High School and participating in camping organizations such as the Emanon Family Camping Club and the North American Family Camping Club (PV8 Chapter). He served as captain of a cribbage club in Hendersonville, NC, contributed as a financial advisor for a nonprofit supporting battered women, assisted with the Springfield Camping & RV Show in West Springfield, MA, and served as sergeant in the Auxiliary Police in Hazlet, NJ.
He found joy in simple pleasures; spending time outdoors walking and camping, playing cribbage, solving New York Times crossword puzzles, completing jigsaw puzzles, caring for his lawn, sitting in the sun, and enjoying the companionship of family dogs.
Above all, Tom will be remembered as a devoted family man, patient in all things, kind to everyone he met and always ready to help, wise, and generous with his time. He was a natural mediator, bringing people together with calm understanding, and was deeply liked and respected by all who knew him.
In addition to his beloved wife Janet, he was preceded in death by his parents, C.A. Baechle and Frances McCall Baechle; sisters, Mary Rose McGuigan Schutsow, Frances McGlynn and her husband, William, and Caroline Baechle; brother, Carl Baechle and his wife, Ethlyn Baechle; brother-in-law, Carl Stevenson; daughter-in-law, Mary Rose Dellert.
Tom is survived by his children, Mary C. Baechle Carr, Mark T. Baechle (Ardith Huez), James A. Baechle, and David C. Baechle (Karen); grandchildren, Michelle Marie Carr-Nieves (Joseph) and Brittany Baechle; step-grandchildren, Andrew and Joshua; great grandchildren, Annalise Rose Nieves and Anakin Joseph Nieves.
There will be a Visitation on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Collins officiating.
