Thomas A. Gordon

NEWPORT – Thomas A. Gordon, lifelong resident of the Pittsfield/Newport area, passed away at his home, during his sleep on Feb. 20, 2026.

He graduated from Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield with the class of 1961 and was inducted into the MCI Hall of Fame in 2014. Upon graduating from high school, he attended Nathaniel Hawthorne College in Antrim, NH.

In 1963, with his father’s health failing, he returned home to run the family business, Leon E. Gordon, Inc. In 1973 the name of that business was changed to Gordon Construction Corp. which focused on erosion control and environmental projects throughout New England. Overtime he became recognized as the grandfather of hydroseeding in New England amongst his peers. In 1980 he established a 2nd company, Hydro Grass Corporation, which focused on supplying equipment and materials to the landscape industry throughout New England. Under his guidance that company grew to become the largest distributor in the world of Finn erosion control and landscape equipment. He remained CEO of hydrograsscorp.com until his passing. He was an icon in his industry.

During his lifetime Tom was well known for his love of new automobiles, classic cars, fine dining and good wine. He was also known as being kind and generous to those in his circle who faced difficult times. On the lighter side all the dogs who lived on his street knew him and his car as he dropped off doggy treats on his way to work. Oftentimes the dogs would be waiting for him to arrive, drive in and give them a snack. He claimed to be the luckiest person to have ever lived and was always thankful to those who had helped him along the way.

Tom is survived by his business partner of 54 years, Russell Collier, his best friend Caleb Albert, and special friends, Linda Tripp, Pete and Carol Vigue, and Roy Kvingedal. He was predeceased by longtime partner Maynard N. McCormick, and his parents Doris and Leon Gordon.

Many thanks to the team from Beacon Hospice for their caring support during his final month, his physician Dr. Arceo, to those who knew Tom and helped care for him during previous periods of good health, and to those friends and neighbors who visited during his final illness.

Pursuant to Tom’s wishes there will be no services at this time however there will be a celebration of his life during the summer.

Arrangements are in the care of Crosby and Neal Funeral Home, 117 Main Street, Newport, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at https://www.crosbyneal.com/

In lieu of flowers,

memorial donations may be made to:

The Waterville Humane Society

100 Webb Road

Waterville, ME 04901