Thomas Alfred Tribble

Thomas Alfred Tribble, 81, of Merrimac, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on May 8, 2025, following a long and courageous battle with multiple medical challenges.

Born on August 16, 1943, in Hollywood, California, Tom was the son of the late John Thomas and Gwendolyn (Columbo) Tribble. He graduated from Loyola High School in 1961 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1967. From his graduation until 1986, Tom served as Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy Reserve. He also received a Juris Doctorate from Western State University College of Law in 1976.

Tom spent his professional career in multiple engineering and facilities management positions, including the Panama Canal Company, National Steel and Shipbuilding, University of California San Diego and UC President’s Office, Boston Medical Center, and Harvard University.

In the Merrimac community, Tom was active for many years with the Boy Scouts, including serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 41. He was also a lector and CCD instructor at Church of the Nativity.

Tom is survived by his wife, Susan of Merrimac, MA; son Brendan Tribble and his wife Leah Tribble of Charlotte, NC; daughter Shannon Bartkiw and her husband John Bartkiw of Seattle, WA; son Adam Tribble of Manchester, NH; son Connor Tribble of Merrimac; grandchildren Owen, Rhys and Alexandra; brother Gary Tribble of Bakersfield, CA; lifelong friends Joe O’Heron, Fred Tirrell; and extended family and friends.

Tom was a kind and thoughtful man, known for his gentle spirit and generous nature. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

A private burial and graveside service will be held at Locust Grove Cemetery in Merrimac. A Memorial Mass will be held at the Church of the Nativity, 4 Green Street, Merrimac, on Saturday, May 24 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a brief reception in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation. Arrangements were made with Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 36 West Main Street, Merrimac, MA 01860.