Thomas Dessecker, Sr.

Thomas Calvin Dessecker, Sr., 80, of Taneytown, died on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore.  Born July 18, 1941 in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Ernest Lee and Gladys Eileen (Cornell) Dessecker.  He was the devoted husband of the late Patricia Ann (Rose) Dessecker, to whom he was married for 57 years.  She passed in November of 2020.

Tom was an educator.  He earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland at College Park, and a Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.  He taught history at Patapsco Senior High School in Dundalk for 37 years.  Tom loved studying American history and was an expert on the American Civil War.  He also enjoyed philosophy, astronomy, and traveling.  He was a voracious reader, and especially enjoyed mystery novels.  More than anything, he loved being with his family.

Surviving are his children, Thomas Dessecker, Jr. and wife Lisa of Fallston, Kevin Dessecker, Sr. and wife Michele of Taneytown, and Dawn Blake and husband Daniel of Reisterstown; sisters, Carol Meyer and husband Paul of Ellicott City, and Alma Middleton and husband Michael of New England; grandchildren, Kevin Dessecker, Jr. and wife Abi, Carly Dessecker-Mitchell and husband Jake, Nicholas Blake, Benjamin Dessecker, Thomas Dessecker III, William Blake, Timothy Dessecker, Caralyne Blake, and Lillian Dessecker; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, 91 Willis St., Westminster, MD, with a funeral service to follow at 3 p.m.  The Rev. Richard Baker will officiate.  Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 108 Byte Dr., Suite 103, Frederick, MD, 21702.