Bangor, Maine – Thomas W. Oliver, 78, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025. He was born in Millinocket, Maine, May 12, 1947, a son of Robert W. and Joan G. Oliver.

He grew up in Millinocket, graduated from George W. Stearns High School in 1965, and Maine Maritime Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering in 1970.

Following college, Tom went to sea quickly working his way up to chief engineer of both steam and diesel vessels. His shipping career spanned forty-two years; initially he sailed with Gulf Oil Corporation and then, with AMSEA. While his work took him all over the globe he most appreciated the tropical locales in which he landed. He lived much of his life in Old Town, ME, with his family and enjoyed many activities in the great outdoors, including camping, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. In addition to being a voracious reader especially of anything relating to local history, Tom was a car enthusiast who owned many automobiles throughout the years as well as an avid hobbyist who could spend hours building model cars along with radio control boats and planes. When he wasn’t at sea Tom could be found at camp on North Twin Lake fishing and enjoying the sun. He took great pleasure in watching his children and later, his grandchildren participate in music, theater, and athletics.

He is survived by a son, Tom Oliver (Kindra), and their children, Riley, Cody (Anne), and Hadley; a daughter, Emily Barrington (Phillip), and their children Kelsey (Dan), Lily and Isla; his brother, William; his sister, Dorothy; the mother of his children, Kathleen Harkins; and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; and his brothers, Charles and Robert.

Per Tom’s request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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