Thomas W. Moulen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Rye, NH - Thomas Walter Moulen, 89, of Rye, passed away March 6, 2016 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born January 18, 1927 to the late Walter and Alice (Robinson) Moulen in Waterbury, VT. His family moved to Old Orchard Beach, Maine later that year. Tom was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Navy as Fireman First Class on the USS Cofer in the Pacific, earning several medals for his service. After the war, he finished high school in Old Orchard Beach, Maine and attended the University of Maine at Orono, graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1952. He worked as a naval architect at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for 30 years. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting with his brother and brothers in-law and fishing on Mousam Lake, Maine. He was an avid reader, and especially loved historical books and suspense novels. Tom loved animals of all kinds, often bringing home a new pet after his weekly pet shop visits with his daughters. His wife Jan often referred to the family pets as the "Menagerie". The most famous pet was the family turtle Barnabas who entertained neighbors and friends for over 30 years. Having grown up during the Depression, Tom was a hardworking man whose greatest desire was to provide for his family and give them everything he didn't have growing up. The greatest gifts he gave them were his wisdom, sense of humor, and the family's favorite place on earth - their camp on Mousam Lake in Maine where he spent much of his free time renovating it, making it the place loved and cherished by his family today. He will be missed dearly by his family, as well as his "Mousam Lake family". To quote Tom Brokaw, Tom was definitely a member of "The Greatest Generation". Tom is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Janet Moulen of Rye, two daughters Belinda Bowling of Wakefield, and Deborah Churchwell and her partner William Towle of Rochester, a grandson, Marc Johnson of Hampton, a granddaughter, Rene Splittorff and her partner Kevin Wheeler of Lebanon, ME, a great granddaughter, Alexis Gowen of Lebanon, ME, three sisters Marilee Dwyer of Spokane, WA, Marguerite Morris and her husband Charles Morris of Portland, OR, Frances Dow and her husband Arnold Dow of Dumfries, VA, brothers in-law Galen Shedd and his wife Ethel of Dixmont, ME, Derward Shedd and his wife Betty of Millinocket, ME, and Alton Shedd and his wife Mary of Lincoln, ME, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Frederick and Matthew Moulen, sisters Alice (Jackie) MacAllister, Barbara Kurz, Jean Bowen, Jane McAllister, and Gail Moulen. The family is planning a military service in the summer, followed by a celebration of his life at Mousam Lake. If desired donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Thomas W. Moulen

January 18, 1927 - March 6, 2016