Thomas J. Tully Sr.
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
Tomb Dates
- Nov 1949Military Dates
Nov 1947 - Nov 1949Society Membership
MemberHome City / State
Brooklyn, New YorkObituary
Thomas John Tully, known as John, of Naples, Florida and Long Beach, NY passed away at home on January 16, 2022. He spent his last days lovingly surrounded by his wife, children, and dear friends.
John was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 15, 1930 to William and Hattie (Host) Tully. John led an exemplary life. He was a man of integrity, honesty, and humility. His family always came first. He joined the army at age 17 and was assigned to the Third Infantry Division Company A (the old guard) and held the distinct honor of serving as a Sentinel for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. John retired from the Port of Authority of New York & New Jersey serving as Airport Supervisor of Operations at JFK International Airport. He also worked side by side with his brothers in their Seafood & Lobstering businesses.
John was an avid runner, walker, reader, and enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles. He loved taking drives and having coffee with his friends.
He was the moral backbone of his family and his sound advice and strength will be sorely missed. John was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Bill and Neil; sister, Jean; grandson, Anthone; and son-in-law, George Schoeppler.
He is survived by his wife, Florence Donohue; son, Thomas John Tully Jr.; daughters, Patricia J. Tully, MaryBeth Guichard, and Delma Anne Schoeppler; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; sisters, Loretta Costa and Marion Greve.
At his request there will be no service and cremation was entrusted to Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens.
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Units & Campaigns
Company A (Honor Guard), 3d United States Army Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
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Did you know?
Do you guard in a blizzard or a bad thunderstorm?
YES, but the accomplishment of the mission and welfare of the Soldier are never put at risk. The Tomb Guards have contingencies that are ready to be executed if the weather conditions ever place the Soldiers at risk of injury or death (i.e. lightning, high winds, etc). This ensures that Sentinels can continue the mission while ensuring safety. It is the responsibility of the Chain of Command from the Sergeant of the Guard to the Regimental Commander to ensure mission accomplishment and soldier welfare at all times.
It was erroneously reported that during Hurricane Isabel, the Sentinels were ordered to abandon their posts for shelter and that they refused. No such order was ever given. All proper precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the Sentinels while accomplishing their mission. Risk assessments are constantly conducted by the Chain of Command during changing conditions to ensure that soldier welfare is maintained during mission accomplishment.
