WINTHROP – Thomas E. Dort, 74, of Winthrop and formerly of Gardiner and Windsor, died unexpectedly on Friday, June 24 at his son’s home in Winthrop.

Tom was born and grew up in Gardiner, the son of Earle and Carolyn Dort. He graduated from Gardiner Area High School in 1966 and the University of Maine with a degree in Forestry in 1970. He often looked back on and spoke fondly of his college summer job as an Assistant Ranger in Baxter State Park.

In 1974, he married Phyllis Dill, also of Gardiner. They had two children, Thomas Jr. and Bree Dort.

Tom worked a variety of jobs prior to beginning a twenty-two-year career at the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta. He helped operate the family-owned New Mills Market on Cobbossee Avenue in Gardiner for several years. He later became a cabinet maker for Modern Woodcraft in Lewiston, making and delivering custom-made fixtures to nationally-known retailers and hospitals throughout the Northeast. That was followed by a stint as a delivery driver and oil burner technician for Gardiner Oil Company in Gardiner. In 1990, he began his career serving military veterans, first as a manual arts therapist and later as a vocational rehabilitation specialist, helping them regain their health and return to productive lives and jobs. After retiring from Togus, Tom enjoyed working at the Windsor Transfer Station. Throughout much of his life, he also enjoyed working on a variety of volunteer projects for the Gardiner Baptist Church on Church Hill in Gardiner.

Following their joint retirement from careers at Togus, Tom and Phyllis moved to Asheville, N.C. for several years before returning to Maine to be closer to family and friends.

Tom loved to travel, “any excuse for a road trip”, spend time in the Maine outdoors, and learn about U.S. military history. He also had a passion for reading, wood-working and cooking. But his greatest love was always looking out for and taking care of his family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Earle and Carolyn Dort; an older brother, James Dort; a nephew, David Dort; and sisters-in-law Martha Patterson and Marsha Verhille.

He is survived by his wife of 48-years, Phyllis, of Winthrop; son Thomas Jr. of Winthrop, daughter Bree of Bar Harbor; brother-in-law Fred Dill and wife Barbara; his favorite cat, Pepper; several nephews and a niece.

The family also wants to thank Leah Sampson and Miss Piper for allowing Tom to love them.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave. in Gardiner, with funeral services on Thursday, June 30 at 11 a.m. at the same location. Graveside services will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are in the care of the Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave, Gardiner where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made

in Tom’s memory to:

PALS Animal Shelter

188 Case Rd.

Winthrop, ME 04364 or:

Alzheimer’s Association-Maine Chapter

383 US Rt 1 Suite 2C

Scarborough, ME 04074

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