BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – Thomas M. Orth, 79, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026, in his home on Emerald Isle, N.C.
Tom’s memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 11 a.m., at St. Mildred Catholic Church in Swansboro, N.C.
He was born on Feb. 10, 1947, in Kittery, Maine, where his father was stationed at the Portsmouth Naval Yard. This was just the beginning of a lifelong connection to the U.S. military.
Tom was the first child of Ellen (Griffin) Orth and Eugene Robert Orth. He grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pa., but also spent a meaningful portion of his childhood in Bellows Falls, Vt., which was the hometown of both of his parents.
Tom attended Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, Pa., and, in 1968, he graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Md. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Tom had a proud career of more than 20 years in the USMC, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He served in Vietnam during that war, and later had postings in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East, as well as in the states.
After retirement from the Marines, Tom based himself on Emerald Isle. He founded CRM Network, a very successful corporate relocation services business, which he ran until his second retirement in 2024.
Tom was predeceased by his parents and by his sister, Margaret “Peggy”. He leaves behind many close friends who remember him for his quick Irish wit, his charming self-deprecation, and his total loyalty.
Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory, Morehead City, N.C.