U.S. Navy Veteran Thomas J. Bembenek, of Jamestown Dies at 81
Sunday, September 25, 2022
Thomas J. Bembenek, of Jamestown, RI passed away Monday, September 19th at the age of 81. He was born in Webster, MA on December 21, 1940, the son of Chester and Carolyn Bembenek, and brother of the late Roseann (Bembenek) Olszta, and Richard Bembenek.
Tom is survived by his wife of 39 years, Gail (Trifoglio) Bembenek of Jamestown; his sons Thomas C. Bembenek and wife Adona of Rainier, OR, Anthony Bembenek of Worcester, MA and Timothy Bembenek of Auburn, MA; daughters Carolyn Peabody of Ayer, MA and Rosemarie Tremblay of Orlando, FL; and three grandsons, Jacob Peabody, and Tommy and Sebastian Bembenek. He is also survived by his nephew John Olszta and wife Heather of Dudley MA; grand-nephew's Joshua and Jeremy; and his former wife Haydee Bembenek of Auburn, MA.
After graduating from Bartlett High School in 1958, he enlisted in the US Navy, proudly remaining on active duty for more than 24 years. During that time, some of his assignments included serving aboard a wooden hull minesweep, The USS Jacana and several Navy destroyers (USS Willard Keith, USS Basilone and USS Dyess.) He also served at the Naval Air Station in Port Hueneme, CA (where he proudly earned his air wings) as an instructor at the Navy Surface Warfare Officer's School, and the Naval Education and Training Center, both in Newport, RI.
Upon retirement from active duty, Tom began a second career as a civilian computer systems analyst, with emphasis on submarine firing and weapons systems, while working for several small defense contracting firms, and then finally Lockheed Martin until he retired once again in the mid-2000s.
Tom enjoyed many forms of vocation and hobbies and was enthralled by anything mechanical, but his true love was anything with wheels - he worked on mostly older vehicles, both muscle and classic cars and trucks, as well as the occasional motorcycle. Over the years, he tackled a myriad of restoration and rebuilding projects - enjoying every minute - and so happy to discuss the details of each project.
Tom and his wife Gail were active in the Corvette Club of RI for a number of years, with Tom serving as President of the club at one point. They enjoyed the company of some wonderful people as they attended organized car shows, cruise nights and monthly events.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10 am - 12:30 pm with a service to follow at 12:30 pm in the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Rd, North Kingstown. Military honors will render immediately following the service. His burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jamestown RI Fire Dept EMS Division, 50 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown, RI 02835, HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice, 1085 North Main St, Providence, RI 02904, or the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of RI, 2865 Tower Hill Rd, Saunderstown, RI 02974.
