Thomas Carlyle Wolford, 89, of Le Roy, died on November 2, 2024 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.
Thomas was born January 24, 1935, in Cherry Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Bernice (Armstrong) and Perry C. Wolford.
After graduating from Slippery Rock High School, he enlisted in the Navy and served for four years. In 1960, he graduated from Grove City College with a B.S. in physics and mathematics. He went on to earn a M.S. in physical oceanography and fluid dynamics from M.I.T., a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics from the Catholic University of America, and a Diploma from the Naval War College. He was the first in his family to graduate from college and valued and supported the education of others.
He worked as a research oceanographer for the Coast Guard, as well as for NOAA’s National Ocean Service. He was a member of the Explorers Club. After retirement, he studied theology, Hebrew, and Greek.
Thomas married Lenore Leipold on June 11, 1961. They lived in Maryland for several decades before moving to Le Roy. They were members of Bergen United Methodist Church for a number of years. He enjoyed motorcycles, sailing, and travel.
Surviving are his sister, Betty, his children, Rachel, Emma, and Andrew, seven grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
There are no prior calling hours. Thomas’s Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Ave., Bergen. Burial will be in Stone Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at https://alzresearch.org/giving/.
Arrangements for Thomas were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen, (585) 494-1210.
Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
