Charlie was born in Benton, Arkansas August 25, 1934, to Pauline and Orville Dobbs. He inherited the creativity and skills of his carpenter father and seamstress mother, which he used to lay the foundation of his life. He honed his leadership skills as an Eagle Scout and as State Master Councilor of DeMolay, which helped him earn admittance to the U. S. Naval Academy, the first from Saline County. At USNA, his company mates called him Homer and became lifelong friends, especially Jake Reed, Marty Finnerty and Charlie Pease.

Charlie constructed his career as a telecommunication engineer after his time in the Navy and Reserves where he served honorably aboard the USS Lloyd Thomas. Concurrently he built a close-knit family, but always welcomed friends, neighbors, Midshipmen whom they sponsored, his sons-in-law and their families with open arms. Betsy and Charlie always enjoyed hosting parties in the homes they remodeled themselves and decorated with care.

He retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. bisected by a stint with Bell Laboratories, continuing to consult in retirement. Charlie enhanced his life with hobbies (model railroading, picture framing), added an advanced degree from Washington University, captained his favorite sailboat, the Sea Hog, served his community as a Presbyterian deacon and Sunday school teacher, taught outdoor skills to countless Girl Scouts, and volunteered on the mountain at Breckenridge Ski Resort for many ski seasons. Retirement in Annapolis allowed Charlie to varnish his life as a member of the Sailing Club of the Chesapeake, an active member of the USNA Alumni Association (Rise and Shine with ’59!), serving in several positions including President of the New Providence Club (NPC). The final polish was seeing his grandson be inducted into the Class of 2025 at USNA.

He is survived by his wife, Betsy, with whom he had a 65-year love affair, daughters Kathy (Ted) Wade of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Patty (Steve) Hodges of Gilford, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his grandson, MIDN 3/C Tanner Wade of Annapolis and a niece, Debbie Smith. Those he welcomed into his circle include Matthew (Melissa) Wade, Brian (Alex) Hodges, Karen and Robert James.

Even in his final year at Ginger Cove, Charlie radiated good will and humanity to his neighbors and caregivers. We are so grateful he lived his life with joy and purpose and left it without suffering and with dignity.

Funeral service was Thursday, December 15, 10:30 am at St. Andrews Chapel, U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, and interment in the Naval Academy Columbarium immediately following. Memorials were suggested to be sent to: The Heritage Memory Care at Ginger Cove, or St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, both in Annapolis.

Charlie and Betsy attended all the LT Reunions until the last few years when he had health issues. They hosted our Annapolis reunion in April 2004. Charlie was a Gunnery Officer 1960-63.

Walter “Wadz” Paul Rydzy, 84, was granted his angel wings on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at his home in Fayetteville, NC. Walter was born on September 27, 1937, in Shenandoah, PA, to John & Marie (Schistel) Rydzy.

After High School, Walter served as an electrician in the U.S. Navy for over 20 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. While with the Navy, he had two tours of duty in Vietnam. Upon returning to civilian life, he spent another 22 years as a Fire Protection System Mechanic before retiring and settling down in Fayetteville, NC.

His hobbies and interests included family, gardening, reading, serving with the Elks Club, supporting local fire departments, and putting smiles on the faces of everyone he met. He was known as a very giving, caring, and selfless soul who loved life. Family and friends knew him for the devotion of his time and energy to his wife, Anne, whom he loved beyond bearing.

Walter is survived by his wife of 27 years, Anne, along with his stepsons and daughter, his stepsister, Janice, and his many loving nephews and nieces.

A celebration of his life was held at a later date in Fayetteville, NC and when he was buried in Shenandoah, PA. The Elks celebrated his life in Charleston, SC on Sunday, August 7, 2022.

Joseph Hauswirth, age 83, a lifelong resident of Watertown, MA and beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (Kiley) Hauswirth, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2022.  Devoted father of Joseph Hauswirth and his wife Christine of Rhode Island, Kathy Patton and husband Steve Patton of Ohio, Jack Hauswirth and his wife Janet Hauswirth of Boxborough, and Susan Bortone and her husband Bobby of Watertown. Loving grandfather to Michael, Avarose, Katlyn, Stephen, Kameron, James, Jacqueline and Matthew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Catherine Hauswirth of Watertown; his brother Jack Hauswirth; and sister Catherine Arsenault. Also leaving behind his sister-in-law Wilma Hauswirth; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Joe was a 1956 graduate of Watertown High. He then enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17, serving his country for 6 years. After being honorably discharged, he was employed at Western Electric for over 30 years, where he met the love of his life Liz. They raised their four children in Watertown, creating lifelong friendships.

Joe was a founding member of the Watertown Youth Hockey and Intramural Hockey Programs. He would go on to coach countless kids in the Watertown community in both hockey and baseball. It was one of his greatest joys and provided cherished memories and friendships. He was an avid Boston sports fan and was present when “Havlicek stole the ball!” Over the years, Joe enjoyed traveling to his grandchildren’s activities both in and out of state.

Joe also spent time traveling to his USS Lloyd Thomas Navy ship reunions. He started every day with a morning coffee at Joe’s Variety with the crew, reviewing and critiquing the world’s events. Pa Joe will be greatly missed by his family, friends and many people whose lives he touched.

Family and friends were welcomed to celebrate Joe’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the Nardone Funeral Home, 373 Main St., Watertown, on Tuesday, August 30th from 4 to 7 pm and again on Wednesday, August 31st at 9 am, followed by a 10 am Funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Church in Watertown. Burial followed with Navy Honors in Ridgelawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, his family requested that donations be made to: Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital Bedford, MA or The Watertown Youth Hockey program.

Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 24 to Aug. 25, 2022.

My father passed away at 3:19 this afternoon. He was an amazing Daddy and I loved him with all my heart. It’s a two edged sword, I will miss him forever, but glad he was able to pass so peacefully while I was right by his side.

For all that have texted, called and messaged me, thank you so much. My Dad wasn’t a Hooplah kind of man. He asked to be cremated, and thrown at sea, as he was a Navy man. The US Coast Guard will take his remains out to sea. We will not know when or where until after the fact. These were his wishes. We’re respecting those wishes. No graveside, no memorial, not Veteran memorial, no celebration of life. That was not him. My Dad just wanted to go peacefully and comfortably.

We respected his wishes. So thank you to everyone that spoke so wonderfully of who my Dad was. I’ll miss him every day of my life. Much love!!!

James A. “Jim” Clark of Carnegie PA, went peacefully to be with his parents, James A. and Alice C. (Sonnet) Clark on August 3, 2022. Jim is survived by his devoted and caring wife of 24 years, Karen Marie (Cernick) Clark. Jim was the loving father of Sean, Maureen (Stack) and Brian (Amy Drauch) and a proud grandpa of Cameron and Madeleine (Stack), and a beloved brother of Mary Alice (Hileman), Terry (Maria), and Sally (Ray McVicker).

Jim served his country as a radar man in the US Navy aboard the USS Lloyd Thomas DDE-764. Over the last 26 years he attended many LT Reunions and enjoyed reminiscing with his shipmates.

Jim was born in McKees Rocks and proudly called himself a Pittsburgher! He would watch every football, baseball and hockey game of his hometown teams and wear his black and gold! Jim also enjoyed coaching his sons for many years with Green Tree Football and Scott Twp. baseball teams.

Jim had an extensive career working at General Dynamics Electric Boat in CT, Swindell Dressler, and A.J. Demor & Limbach. The last 24 years of his career was at McKamish Inc. as a project manager. He loved his job and all of the people that he worked with. During retirement Jim gained more friends at the Scott Township pool. He loved being outside and watching the kids swim. Jim’s sense of humor, generosity, and laughter will be missed dearly.

Friends were welcomed at William Slater II Funeral Service. Funeral Mass was at S.S. Simon & Jude Church (St. Raphael the Archangel Parish). Burial was in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville.

Harry William Hendricks was born Aug. 13, 1928, in Yakima, WA, to Alfred Griffith Hendricks and Estella Mae Pearl Hendricks. Harry passed away July 23, 2022, in Vancouver, Washington after a short illness.

Harry grew up in the “big house” on South Second Avenue close to downtown Yakima. Harry’s father Alfred was a Union Pacific Railroad brakeman who had worked throughout the West. As a child, Harry took many trips with his dad in the cab of a steam engine, caboose, or a passenger car.

In 1937 Harry’s dad suffered a career ending on the job injury. With the country in the Great Depression, the family lost almost everything. They moved five times in Washington, Oregon, and California until settling in Vancouver in 1942.

World War Two brought dramatic changes to Harry’s life. At age 15, Harry began attending Ogden Meadows High School while working nights in the Vancouver Kaiser Shipyards. At 17 he was an all-star athlete playing football and other sports. For two summers during high school, Harry worked for the State of Oregon Forestry Department near Roseburg, Oregon fighting forest fires as most men were away serving in the military. During his high school years, he also worked as a US Postal Service mail carrier and for the US Army at Vancouver Barracks repairing Jeeps and other Army vehicles.

In 1945, World War Two was coming to a climax. Twice attempting to get into the US Navy underage, Harry enlisted at age 17 to see the world. He got his wish as a boatswain mate and plank owner aboard the USS Lloyd Thomas DD 764. With Harry aboard, the Lloyd Thomas circled the globe in 1946-47, stopping in nine countries. His Navy experience was a seminal event in Harry’s life. He was enormously proud of his service and the experience fueled a lifelong desire for travel.

While home on leave, Harry met the love of his life, a Meadows High School classmate named Ramona Baxter. They were brought together by a mutual friend, Alyce (Dahl) Mattox. They were married Oct. 28, 1950, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Vancouver. Alyce was Ramona’s maid of honor, and her husband Bill was Harry’s best man. The couples remained best friends for life. Ramona confessed much later that she “wasn’t impressed” with Harry in high school!
In 1949 Harry returned from Navy service and followed in his father’s footsteps as a railroader. After a year with the Union Pacific Railroad, in 1950 Harry was hired by the “Northwest’s Own,” the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railroad which later became the Burlington Northern Railroad. He would work for the next 43 years as a brakeman and conductor. For much of his career, Harry worked freight service up the Columbia River Gorge to Wishram, WA. On occasion, he worked on passenger trains between Portland and Spokane. A natural leader, Harry took considerable pride in being a skilled and respected railroader. He was a strong union man and served for several years as a union officer in the local chapter.

Harry and Ramona spent their first years of marriage living in war housing in Vancouver’s McLoughlin Heights. In 1957 they bought five acres of land near Ellsworth Road. Clearing much of it by hand, their first home was finished there in 1959. In 1964, they purchased a new lot nearby where Harry helped build their second family home. Harry and Ramona would raise their sons Greg and Eric in that house and would remain there for 53 years. They took enormous pride in their immaculately kept home and it was the center for family gatherings for years. The back yard pool was a favorite for the growing family, in later years especially for the four grandchildren.

Away from work, Harry enjoyed a number of pursuits. He was an excellent carpenter and helped build several homes in the neighborhood. With a large shop, he built cabinets and desks for their home. Enjoying working with kids, he was a well-liked and respected scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 483 in the late 1960’s. Harry later attended Scout Wood Badge training for adult leaders and was invited to return as an instructor. A longtime member of the Elks, he belonged to Vancouver Elks Lodge 823 and had many friends there.

Harry gained a love of the outdoors from his time working in southern Oregon as a firefighter. He took the family hiking and camping in the woods around western Washington. Admittedly, Ramona was never a fan of tent camping and smoky fires! An avid hunter, he sought the elusive elk for more than forty years on Bethel Ridge near White Pass, Washington with close friends and grandson Nathan. After retirement, he enjoyed trout fishing trips in the Cascades with old friends from work.

Always loving to travel, Harry took his family on road trips across the West and Canada in the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Together they flew to Europe to see son Eric, daughter in law Nikki and newborn granddaughter Erin. Annual winter trips with the extended family to Bend and a 60th wedding anniversary trip to Hawaii were memorable. After retirement, Harry and Ramona traveled widely and visited the country from coast to coast in their RV. On other jaunts, Harry and his son Eric traveled extensively during the summer across the western United States and Canada. A proud railroad veteran, Harry particularly enjoyed the 2019 road trip to the 150th anniversary of the Golden Spike in Utah with sons Greg and Eric.

Forty years after his Naval service ended, Harry and Ramona began to attend reunions across the country with shipmates from the USS Lloyd Thomas. They made long friendships with shipmates and their spouses from the reunions. They took particular pride in hosting the 1996 ship’s reunion in Portland.

After more than 50 years in their home, Harry and Ramona moved to The Bedford Retirement Community. They enjoyed spending time with the growing family at birthday parties, holidays and Sunday dinners with their sons, daughters-in-law, four grandchildren, and later their six great-grandchildren. Following Ramona’s passing in December 2020, Harry lived with his son Greg and daughter-in-law Janette until moving to The Quarry Retirement Community earlier this year. Always loving a night out, Harry enjoyed dinners and laughter with granddaughters, Kelsey and Kate. He had nicknamed them “Heckle and Jeckle” as kids.

Harry was a loving husband to Ramona, his wife of 70 years. He was a strong role model to his sons and family with a tireless work ethic on the job and at home. He relentlessly encouraged his sons to gain their education and followed their careers closely. He took immense pride in the accomplishments of his family and loved them deeply. His grandchildren loved his tremendous sense of humor, encouragement, and unconditional love.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Ramona; his parents; his sisters, Margaret, Ella, Louvina; and brothers, Alfred and James. He is survived by his sons, Greg (Janette) Hendricks, Eric (Nikki) Hendricks; grandchildren, Nathan (Saryna) Hendricks, Kelsey Hendricks, Erin (Tyson) Reed, Katherine (Mark) Hawley; and great-grandchildren, William, Waylon, Wyatt, Bennett, Emerson, and Sawyer.

The family thanks the staff at the Quarry, The Vancouver Clinic, Peacehealth Southwest Washington Medical Center and Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center for their care and support.

At Harry’s request, there was no service. But there was at his request a gathering of friends, family, co-workers, and colleagues to share laughter, fond memories, and stories, to listen to Big Band and Dixieland music, while enjoying great food and drink. Harry had said recently that he “led a great life filled with adventure.” His family was fortunate to have him in their lives for so long.

Published by The Columbian on Aug. 21, 2022.

Grant Eugene Smith Jr., age 83, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2022. Grant was born April 4, 1938.  He served as an ET on USS Lloyd Thomas from 1957-1959.

Grant and Judith were a vital part of our Lloyd Thomas Family. They hosted our Phoenix Reunion October 21-23, 2014.

Celia E. (Kingsbury) Pierce, 79, of Cotuit, Massachusetts, passed on September 21, 2021.

She grew up in Cummaquid and was the daughter of Walter and Esther (Kelley) Kingsbury of Cummaquid. Celia worked for many years as a private nurse. Celia enjoyed all things having to do with horses, traveling with her longtime partner, Jim, and spending as much time as possible with family and dear friends.

She is survived by her brother, John W. Kingsbury of Wakefield, and her children Susan E. Pierce of Cummaquid, Linda Milde of Hyannis, and David Pierce, Jr. of Hyannis, along with grandchildren Keith and Erin Milde of Brewster, Jill (Milde) Julin of Hyannis, and Jacob Milde of Hyannis. Celia also was proud to have five great-grandchildren: Lexi and Autumn, Matthew and Maxwell, and Janice.

She is predeceased by her sister, Marjorie E. (Kingsbury) Henry of Cummaquid and longtime partner, James Hillman of Cotuit and Pinellas Park, Florida.

A graveside ceremony was held at Cummaquid Cemetery Mary Dunn Rd, Barnstable, MA 02630, on Saturday October 2, 2021, at 10:00 AM.

Celia and Jim Hillman were a big part of our LT Family. They attended many of our reunions.

Mrs. Mary Brechwald Beatty, 71, of Winterville, NC passed away from ARDS (non-Covid) on Monday, September 6, 2021 in Morehead City, NC.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 1 PM at St. Peter Catholic Church, Greenville, NC. The family received friends at the church 1 hour prior to the service. Interment was to be private at a later date at St. Peter.

A memorial service was held Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 12:30 PM in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Cortland, NY. The family received friends from 4 to 7 PM Friday at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Cortland.

Mary was born on March 16, 1950 to the late Raymond and Rosanna Brechwald and grew up on a farm in Sutherland, Iowa. She completed a Bachelor’s degree at Iowa State University, where she met her husband and soulmate of 49 years, Charles T. (Chuck) Beatty. Married in August, 1972, the couple first lived in Honolulu, HI.

She loved children of all ages and abilities and taught Special Ed for over 30 years combined in Klickitat, WA and McGraw, NY. While living in Klickitat she finished a Master’s degree, driving 90 miles each way for night classes at Portland State University. While living in Cortland, NY, she was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Mary was a yard enthusiast and enjoyed gardening, the ocean and entertaining friends, especially at Atlantic Beach, NC. In retirement she enjoyed traveling throughout North America to visit family and friends and to enjoy wildlife and the outdoors.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers David & Daniel Brechwald.

In addition to her husband, Mary is survived by; a sister, Beverly Jochum and husband, Leo, of Salix, Iowa; brother, Ray Brechwald of Milford, Iowa; sister-in-law, Anna Shearer of Pittsboro, NC; “daughter”, Maria Leis, of Portland, OR; 8 nieces and nephews; 23 great nieces and nephews; A very close friend, Marian Guy, of Scott, NY and many other friends scattered from the Pacific Northwest to the vast Midwest to the Atlantic Coast.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Catholic Charities of Cortland, 33 Central Ave, Cortland, NY 13045 or to St. Paul’s Episcopal Legacy Fund, 401 E. 4th St., Greenville, NC 27858 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Jeanne M. Campus (Ron), 86, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Sunday September 6, 2020 at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She was born on November 16, 1933 in Lynn, Massachusetts to the late Didace & Annie (Foster) Belliveau.

Along with her parents, Jeanne is reunited in death with her eight siblings.

Jeanne was a hardworking woman with a heart of gold. In her younger years she worked as a nurse in the healthcare industry. Following her marriage and the birth of her children, Jeanne was granted the opportunity to be a stay at home mom and relished all that came with the honor. She was a proud Girl Scout Troop Leader for her daughter’s brownie troop for many years. In Jeanne’s spare time she enjoyed playing bingo, knitting, bowling, cooking and reading. Jeanne appreciated staying busy within her community. She volunteered her time graciously with the American Red Cross, was a member of the Moose Lodge #2351 in Murrells Inlet, member of the B.P.O.E #1771, proudly played Mrs. Clause for the children during Christmas time, and was a proud member of the 9 Holers at Prestwick Golf Club. Ms. Jeanne and her husband regularly enjoyed going on cruises twice a year for many years. Jeanne will be deeply missed but remembered for her unconditional love for her family, her fabulous cooking, quick wit, and sense of humor.

Left to cherish Jeanne’s memory are her beloved husband of 63 wonderful years, Mr. Ronald “Ron” J. Campus of Myrtle Beach; their children, Ladonna Perritt of Myrtle Beach & John Campus of Germany; grandchildren, Danielle Perritt of Myrtle Beach, Shonna Campus of Ocean Isle, NC, Brett Perritt of Statesville, NC & Nicholas Campus of Frisco, TX; great-grandchildren, Nathan Campus Cook & Ayden Hughes both of Ocean Isle, NC; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins; a large, loving, extended family and many supportive friends and neighbors.

The family gathered to greet friends on Thursday September 10, 2020 from 6:00PM until 8:00PM at Burroughs Funeral Home, 3558 Old Kings Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. A Funeral Service Mass was held on Friday September 11, 2020 at 1:30PM at St. Michael Catholic Church, 574 Cypress Ave. Garden City, SC 29576. A committal service was held immediately following the service within the church columbarium.

At the request of the family, memorial contributions were asked in lieu of flowers. Donations in Jeanne’s name were requested to be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.