Thomas A. Hook, Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Arnold Hook Jr. of Woolford, MD following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Born November 19, 1940 in Michigan, Tom grew up in Irwin, Pennsylvania the son of Thomas Sr. and Pearl along with his younger brother James. After graduating from Norwin High School, Tom attended Grove City College where he met his first wife Susan Hoffman of Philadelphia. The two were married in 1964 and settled themselves in Washington, D.C. where Tom worked for Westinghouse Air Brake. Charged with improving railroad braking systems, his job often had him riding the rails, later sharing stories of ratty cabooses and busted locomotives. Tom and Susan settled in Silver Spring, Maryland where they welcomed two children, Lauren and Scott.

While at Westinghouse, Tom earned his MBA from American University by attending classes nights and weekends. Departing Westinghouse, he joined the American Homebuilders Association before moving on to the Federal National Mortgage Association, better known as Fannie Mae. Eventually named as Vice President of Regional activities, Tom enjoyed a 25-year career before retiring in 1997.

In his few moments of free time, Tom honed a love of fishing and sailing, often accomplishing both on his boat Antares. The entire family would sail down the Potomac, into the Chesapeake Bay to visit exotic ports of call such as Tangier and Smith Islands. These adventures no doubt built within Tom a close connection with the Bay that would endure for decades. Tom also had a love of woodworking and created a wide range of household projects including an enormous backyard deck. Perhaps part pack-rat, he loved to tinker on cars and dabble in electronics as well as try his hand at cooking- his famous Buffalo WIng Dings with Painkillers are still the stuff of legend.

After his marriage to Susan ended, Tom met Jeannine Garland in 1990. They married in 1991 and in 1997 the couple said goodbye to the District and relocated to the tiny town of Woolford along the Little Choptank river on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Tom was soon volunteering to serve as Treasurer for several organizations, including the Friends of Blackwater (where he helped to establish their first Eagle and Osprey Nest Cams), the Cambridge Yacht Club and the Old Trinity Church Vestry. He later became a member of the Cambridge Gun Club, participating in Skeet Shooting tournaments and earning several awards. Tom’s love of the water enticed him to try oyster farming with great enthusiasm, but mixed results. He also delved into painting duck decoys, making furniture, and eventually restoring his 1967 Mustang. Always happy on the water, Tom and Jeanine (JG) loved to meet friends at “raft ups” where they would chat, dine, laugh and lazily watch the sunset.

Two words often used to describe Tom are “Provider” and "Protector", as he used his considerable business talents and dedicated faith in family to keep them safe, afford them opportunities for education and offer sage financial advice. It also allowed him and JG grand opportunities to travel. Kind and humble, Tom will be remembered by many as “just a really good guy.”

In addition to his wife Jeannine, Tom is survived by his two children Lauren and Scott, their spouses Jim and Margaret as well as two grandchildren Ryan and Shelby. In addition his brother James, his wife Suzie and their children Todd, Tracey and Chris. The family wishes to profoundly thank Candlelight Cove Assisted Living and Memory Care as well as Talbot Hospice for the kindness and care they afforded Tom during his time with them. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tom’s name to Talbot Hospice (586 Cynwood Dr. Easton, MD 21601), Friends of Blackwater (PO Box 1231 Cambridge, MD 21613) or Baywater Animal Shelter (4930 Bucktown Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613).