M. Thomas Alpeter

M. Thomas Alpeter, 69, of New Philadelphia, passed away on September 5, 2015 at Community Hospice in New Philadelphia after a brave battle with cancer. Born September 6, 1945 in Pensacola, FL, he was a son of the late Merle William and Kathryn Margaret (Mardyla) Alpeter.

Tom was a 1964 graduate of New Philadelphia High School who later attended Kent State University. Immediately after high school, Tom joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country in Vietnam as a medic aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 2005, Tom retired from the City of New Philadelphia Waste Water Plant where had been employed for over 30 years. He was a loyal member of New Philadelphia B.P.O.E. #510 and an avid fan of the Browns and the Buckeyes.

His family includes his wife, Debra J. (Long) Alpeter whom he married June 19, 1999; brother, John (Debby) Alpeter of New Philadelphia and their children, James (Tawnya) [and their sons, Colton and Caden], and the late Mindy Alpeter; sister, Connie (Steve) Anderson of New Philadelphia and their sons, Matt and Brandon Anderson; sister, Bonnie (Dick) Smith of Cadiz and their children, Erica (Jerimiah) Goodpaster [and their children, Kathryn, Emily, and Josh], Lee (Sarah) Smith, and Laura (Paul) Rich; and brother- and sister-in-law, Randy and Donna Long and their son, Adam Long.

In keeping with Tom’s wishes, he has been cremated. His family will receive friends at a celebration of his life on Sunday, September 13, from 2 to 5 at the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Community Hospice are strongly encouraged.