Thomas Ferguson Obituary

Thomas Kevin Ferguson, 77, a devoted family man, decorated Army Ranger, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully on June 11th, 2025, in San Jose, CA. He was born on June 9th, 1948, in Springfield, MA, to Mary V. Gately (née Doherty) and the late Thomas F. Ferguson, and was the stepson of late John J. Gately.

Tom grew up in Danvers and Haverhill, MA, and graduated from Haverhill High School in 1966, where he played basketball and ran track and cross country. Following his graduation from HS, Tom attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA for one year.

Thomas proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Major on June 30th, 1991. His distinguished military career began on June 9th, 1971, following his graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management. He later achieved a Graduate Diploma in Military Science at the US Army Command & General Staff College in Ft Leavenworth, KS in 1986.

Following his distinguished military career, Thomas continued his dedication to lifelong learning. He earned an Associate of Arts in American Studies from Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, MD, in 1993. From 1993-1995, he completed graduate coursework in Historical Preservation at the University of Maryland College Park and earned a Professional Certificate in Historic Preservation from Goucher College in Baltimore, MD. He received an Advanced Professional Certification for the Maryland Secondary Level Program in 2005 and a Master of Education degree in Career & Technology Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2007.

Beyond his military service, Thomas cultivated a passion for history and education. For nine years, he held various esteemed positions, including historic preservationist for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, where he made notable contributions to the Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis, MD, and the Woodrow Wilson House Museum in Washington, DC. He also served as assistant to the director at the Baltimore Museum of Industry in Maryland. He concluded his career as a technology education teacher, shaping young minds for ten years, first at Deer Park Middle Magnet School in Baltimore, MD, and finally retiring from Old Mill Middle School South in Millersville, MD.

Thomas's life was enriched by his many interests. He held a fervent interest in American industrial and military history. He also pursued a passion for genealogy, particularly rooted in his Scottish heritage, and was a proud member of the Clan Fergusson Society of North America. He was a lifetime fitness enthusiast. He continued his love of running beyond his college years, competing in five Marathons and countless shorter races. He faithfully followed the Boston sports teams, particularly the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics.

His leadership expanded into his faith, serving as a leader for the local That Man Is You group at St. John's the Evangelist Catholic Church in Severna Park, MD, and expanding its reach across multiple states. He also guided regional Beginning Experience groups along the West Coast.

Thomas was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 38 years, Linda Ferguson, who passed away on December 3rd, 2022. He is survived by his loving son, Kevin (Adam) Patrick Ferguson. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Taran (4) and Ronan (1) Ferguson, who brought immense joy to his later years. Thomas is also survived by his sister, Noreen (Jeffrey) Gately Poirier, of Concord, MA. He was also preceded in death by his father, Thomas F. Ferguson, his stepfather John J. Gately, his mother Mary V. Gately, and his stepbrother Michael Gately.

A viewing and visitation will be held at Barranco Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, July 7th, 2025. A Catholic service will follow at 1:00 PM at the Maryland Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Rd, Crownsville, MD.