Published in the February 17, 2017 edition
PIKESVILLE, MD — William W. “Bill” Tomer, 96, a resident of Harwich and Vero Beach, Florida, formerly of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Arden Courts Assisted Living in Pikesville, Maryland.
Born in Melrose on November 12, 1920, William was one of two sons of the late William A. and Alice (Wheeler) Tomer. He graduated from Melrose High School and Kimball Union Prep School. Bill served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a cryptographic technician in China, India and Burma. On May 26, 1951, he married Marjorie Smith and they settled in Melrose to raise a family of three children. Mr. Tomer worked as a paper salesman for many years.
Bill was a member of the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church and after retiring to Cape Cod, the First Church of Harwich. He was a member of the photography club, enjoyed playing horseshoes, swimming and riding bikes. He also enjoyed following the Boston Bruins and Red Sox.
William was the beloved husband of the late Marjorie (Smith) Tomer, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Robert M. Tomer and his wife Carol of Windham, New Hampshire; Susanne McCown and her husband Robert of Finksburg, Maryland; and Carol Sloan and her husband Darren of Maywood, New Jersey. He was the dear brother of the late Robert H. Tomer. He was the cherished grandfather of Robert M. Tomer, Jr. of Windham, New Hampshire; Jonathan W. Tomer of Windham, New Hampshire; Stephanie A. McCown of Finksburg, Maryland; Timothy R. McCown of Finksburg, Maryland; Ashley Sloan of Maywood, New Jersey; and Joshua Sloan of Maywood, New Jersey. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Louise Barrar and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Bill’s life for his Funeral Service at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose celebrated on Monday, February 13. Interment with military honors by the U.S. Army took place at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to First Church of Harwich, 697 Main St., Harwich MA 02645. For directions or online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
