It was a cold night with treacherous roads on February 17, 1945 when Thomas Gerard Hale made his appearance to the world. The trip to Blodgett hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan seemed to take forever. His German born mother, Erika, lived with her mother-in law, Lucille. His father, Kenneth B. Hale, and grandfather, Herman, were serving in WWII. In 1946, the family moved to Arlington, VA while his father was transferred to District 16, the White House Detail. A year or so later the family moved to Germany with Tom’s older brother Ken Jr. “Tex” and a new little sister, Judy. Two years later Tom’s father was transferred to the USA, and they lived in Detroit, Michigan for 6 years. Then another transfer to Omaha, Nebraska for 4 years. The last transfer for the family was to Indianapolis, Indiana, where Tom graduated from Broad Ripple High School. He was an excellent student and had natural athletic ability. It seemed as though there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do, including building a sport car from frame to finish. Tom’s favorite pastime was boating. He started a canoe rental on the White River in Indianapolis. It remained successful for several years. He became a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Indianapolis. He attended Butler University, a nationally recognized private university in Indianapolis, Indiana. He worked for Brylane as an MVS Software Specialist. Also, Tom worked at American Fletcher National Bank until being shipped to Vietnam. He was a Demolition Specialist with the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division at Diam. He received a Bronze Star Medal for distinguished service through bravery and praiseworthy achievement. A formidable job jumping out of a helicopter to plant mines. After coming home to Indianapolis, he started a new job. His boss was an attractive young lady, and he soon married her! The love of his life, Catherine Applegate Mastrippolito. They married on July 16, 1995. Then, moved to Stafford, Virginia, where Tom renovated the basement into an in-law suite for his mother-in-law, Catherine Applegate. Sadly, Cathy passed away in 2018. They had many wonderful memories traveling to Europe and Thailand, enjoying their dogs, and enjoying their apiary business of honey, cosmetics, and candles. Tom and Cathy also enjoyed spoiling their grandchildren.
Brother Tex married Sharon Kunkler. Both sadly passed on but had a daughter, Stephanie Erika Hale. Stephanie gave them 2 grandchildren (Kristina and Kenny). Sister Judy married Gordon Jeltema from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Tom is survived by children Thomas G. Hale Jr. (wife Donna), John K. Hale (wife Karen), Dan Gross (wife Becki), Fred Mastrippolito (wife Nartaya), Brenda Tiffin (husband Scott) , sister Judith Jeltema (husband Gordon), grandchildren Scott Jr. (wife Katrina), Andrew, Cody (wife Carrigan), Skyler, Charlie, Savanah, Shelby, Shane, and Catherine, and great grandchild Wheeler.
A Memorial gathering for Thomas will be held on Saturday, July 12, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at O’Riley-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. A Celebration of Thomas’s life will be at 1 PM.
Services
Memorial Gathering:
Saturday, July 12, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
O'Riley - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory
6107 S. East St
Indianapolis, Indiana 46227
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2025-07-12 12:00:00
2025-07-12 01:00:00
ThomasGerardHaleMemorial Gathering
Memorial Gathering
6107 S. East St,Indianapolis, Indiana 46227
Celebration of Life:
Saturday, July 12, 2025
1:00 pm
O'Riley - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory
6107 S. East St
Indianapolis, Indiana 46227
Add to My Calendar
America/Indiana/Indianapolis
2025-07-12 13:00:00
2025-07-12 13:00:00
ThomasGerardHaleCelebration of Life
Celebration of Life
6107 S. East St,Indianapolis, Indiana 46227
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I was introduced to Thomas Gerard Hale through the stories his son John, has shared with me through the years we have worked together. What a wonderful testimony to share someone’s life through the memories of their loved ones. I have shared in the love story of Thomas and Cathy, the business venture of their Honey business. Oh the honey…I have never tasted such amazing honey. I got my love of honey from the products John shared that he received from The Hope Honey Farm. I have listened and shared in the life history story of Thomas Gerard Hale to such an extent that I miss him and mourn his passing for the family members who feel his loss now, and will share their memories of him throughout their lives. Thank you so much Thomas Gerard Hale for living in such a way that you will be missed as people walk through this life without you.