Thomas Hale Obituary

It was a cold night with treacherous roads on February 17, 1945, when Thomas Gerard Hale made his appearance to the world. The trip to Blodgett hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan seemed to take forever. His German born mother, Erika, lived with her mother-in law, Lucille. His father, Kenneth B. Hale, and grandfather, Herman, were serving in WWII.
In 1946, the family moved to Arlington, VA while his father was transferred to District 16, the White House Detail. A year or so later the family moved to Germany with Tom's older brother Ken Jr. "Tex" and a new little sister, Judy. Two years later, Tom's father was transferred to the USA, and they lived in Detroit, Michigan for 6 years. Then another transfer to Omaha, Nebraska for 4 years. The last transfer for the family was to Indianapolis, Indiana where Tom graduated from Broad Ripple High School. He was an excellent student and had natural athletic ability.
It seemed as though there wasn't anything he couldn't do, including building a sport car from frame to finish. Tom's favorite pastime was boating. He started a canoe rental on the White River in Indianapolis. It remained successful for several years. He became a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Indianapolis. He attended Butler University, a nationally recognized private university in Indianapolis, Indiana. He worked for Brylane as an MVS Software Specialist. Also, Tom worked at American Fletcher National Bank until being shipped to Vietnam. He was a Demolition Specialist with the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division at Diam, a formidable job jumping out of a helicopter to plant mines.
After coming home to Indianapolis, he started a new job as a computer specialist, communications specialist, and project manager. His boss was an attractive young lady, and he soon married her! The love of his life, Catherine Applegate Mastrippolito. They married on July 16, 1995. Then, they moved to Stafford, Virginia, where Tom renovated the basement into an in-law sweet for his mother-in-law, Catherine Applegate. Sadly, Cathy passed away in 2018. They had many wonderful memories traveling to Europe and Thailand, enjoying their dogs, and enjoying their apiary business of honey, cosmetics, and candles. Tom and Cathy also enjoyed spoiling their grandchildren.
His brother Tex married Sharon Kunkler. Both sadly passed on but had a daughter, Stephanie Erika Hale. Stephanie gave them 2 grandchildren, Kristina and Kenny. His sister Judy married Gordon Jeltema from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Tom is survived by his children, Thomas G. Hale Jr. (wife Donna), John K. Hale (wife Karen), Dan Gross (wife Becki), Fred Mastrippolito (wife Nartaya), and Brenda Tiffin (husband Scott); sister Judith Jeltema (husband Gordon); grandchildren Scott Jr. (wife Katrina), Andrew, Cody (wife Carrigan), Skyler, Charlie, Savannah, Shelby, Shane, and Catherine; and great grandchild Wheeler.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Covenant Funeral Service, Stafford. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Quantico National Cemetery.