Thomas Alvin Rhubottom

SFC Thomas A. Rhubottom, U.S. Army (Ret.) Thomas Alvin Rhubottom passed away at the age of 82 as a result of complications from Parkinson’s disease on October 8, 2015.

At the end of his life he was surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born in St. Petersburg, Florida on October 27, 1932. He joined the U. S. Army in 1950 and was a career Army Engineer. He served two tours in Viet Nam and was awarded the Bronze Star for each tour. During his second tour, he was embedded as an advisor to a South Vietnamese Construction Battalion. In addition to service in Viet Nam, he was stationed in Germany twice and in Okinawa.

In addition to the Bronze Star, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Technical Service Medal. He served his country with an unwavering sense of patriotism, professionalism, and pride which he carried with him throughout his life.

While stationed in Germany, Tom met the love of his life, Martha Helene Huschka, whom he married in June 1955. They had three daughters, later bought a home on Westport Lane in Lake Ridge and called Woodbridge, Virginia their home for more than 35 years. After retiring from the Army in 1970, he became an Officer for the U.S. Capitol Police providing security for the House of Representatives.

He retired from his second career after 22 years. As a police officer in the Nation’s Capital, Tom stayed connected to Politics, one of his many passions. He was a lifelong Republican! Tom devoted his life and energy to taking care of his family and making them happy.

He was happiest sitting in his favorite easy chair, throwing a tennis ball to Kelly, his golden retriever, or drinking beer with his sons-in-law during Sunday football games, and taking care of his home or tinkering with his cars. He was passionately devoted to the Washington Redskins.

Second only to his role as Dad and the fatherly pride he felt for his three daughters, was the role he played as “Opa” the name he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, John and Natalie. Whether it was being the voice behind a red, furry hand puppet named Elmo or teaching his grandkids the words to songs like “America the Beautiful,” he was the quintessential family man and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family. Tom loved his home and his neighborhood.

Generous and kind-hearted, he was quick to offer advice on a home maintenance project, help change a flat tire or lend a tool from his shed. His evening walks around Westport Lane provided his neighbors with comfort and will be missed. He is truly loved and will never be forgotten!

Tom was preceded in death by his parents William Hunt Rhubottom and Mary Louise (Sharpe]) and his oldest brother, James. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Martha [West Brandywine, PA]; his daughters Patricia Ann Rhubottom and her husband Brian Murphy [Berwyn, PA]; Diana Lynn and her husband Mark Horgan [Northborough, MA]; and Anita Louise and her husband Kenneth Nankervis [Annapolis, MD]; grandchildren, Natalie Nankervis [Annapolis, MD] and John Horgan, Lieutenant U. S. Navy [Mystic, CT]; and his brother Richard and wife Sally [Chehalis, WA].

Tom was buried on October 13, 2015 at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, Pennsylvania. Donations in Tom’s memory can be made to the Coatesville VA Medical Center Voluntary Services – Hospice and Palliative Care Program, 1400 Black Horse Hill Road, Coatesville, PA 19320.