Thomas Francis Hurley

Thomas Hurley
Thomas Hurley

Thomas Francis Hurley, 87 years (November 9, 1928-February 11, 2016), passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife Loretta and several of his children and grandchildren in his home in Oroville, Washington.

Tom, son of Francis J. Hurley and Aurore (Charron) Hurley was born in Worcester, Mass. and lived there before retiring in 1990 to Oroville. Tom attended Worcester Boys Trade School before leaving to serve his country in the US Navy for six years at the end of WWII. Tom was a proud member of the Teamsters Local 170 upon his return and worked as a local and long haul truck driver until he retired.

Tom leaves his wife Loretta A. (St. Thomas) Hurley of 62 years. Tom also leaves his sister Rose Marie Hurley and is predeceased by his younger sister Patricia Hurley.

Tom’s family and children were his greatest treasure and he leaves behind his eight children Eileen Cariglia and husband John of Worcester, Frank Hurley and wife Carlene of Talala, Okla., Cathy Naths and husband Henri of Alberta Canada, Trisha Bass and husband Jim of Kennewick, Wash., Mike Hurley and wife Amy of Worcester, Mary Munroe and husband Ron Frasch of British Columbia Canada, Cecilia Ohman and husband Doug of North Carolina and Tom Hurley and wife Kellie of Worcester as well as 15 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was often heard saying “I’m proud of all of you kids!”

Tom was born during the great depression and learned at a very early age the value of a strong work ethic. Throughout his entire life he loved to learn new things and never shied away from a challenge regardless of how difficult it might be. Tom’s true passion lay in his artistic and creative endeavors and he loved to work with his hands. Through his lifetime he taught himself to be an expert wood craftsman and contributed his talents to his community as well as his friends and relatives. Any one that knew him has experienced his generosity and knew he would help anyone who asked. He was also a brilliant cartoonist and painter and enjoyed countless hours in “the shop” building and painting while enjoying both Irish folk music and Country and Western. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. His love of the great wide-open spaces of our country never waned and he was awestruck by the natural beauty of Washington State until the very last.

Tom was a very quiet and private person and would often “tell it like it is.” He held those closest to him in his highest regard and was extremely loyal. His sense of humor was another of his greatest gifts and those that knew him would often love to hear him tell hysterical, true and legendary stories of his many experiences throughout his life.

A gathering of family & friends will take place at a future date in Oroville, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the cancer care facility: Our House 1708 Castlerock Ave. Wenatchee, WA. 98801

Private arrangements provided by Berg Funeral Service & Crematory in Oroville, Wash.