Thomas Wortley

Tommy was a passionate life-long learner and a loyal friend who supported his family and his community in a multitude of ways throughout his life. His kindness, generosity and soft heart was sometimes protected by a prickly exterior which may be how he came by the affectionate nickname, “The Hornet”.

Tommy was born on March 10, 1931 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Foster and Ruth Wortley. The family moved to Middletown, Ohio where Tom grew up and made many life-long friends. His closest group of friends remained connected throughout their lives and called themselves “The Toads”. Tommy enlisted in the Marines, where he reached Corporal, with two stripes. He worked on radio and electronic systems and spent time on the Atsugi base in Japan. In his twenties, he lived in Florida where he worked in various trades, including scuba diver and guide.

Returning to Middletown, Tommy completed college at Miami University and married Mary Hallowell. Tommy was a dynamic leader and mentor for all of his nieces and nephews who looked forward to adventures with their playful “Unkie”. Tommy and Mary designed and built a beautiful home always open to family and friends. Tommy did much of the building with his own hands, always committed to learning and mastering new skills. Tommy was dedicated to caring for his wife Mary Hallowell Wortley through several years of cancer treatments. Mary died of cancer in 1989.

Tommy started a business preparing copper cylinders used for rotogravure printing. He loved the technical aspects of the Wortco plant and his business thrived and evolved over time to include a sophisticated microscope used to examine the cylinders. Tommy appreciated the skills and specialties of his employees and was forever singing their praises. He was especially indebted to Eleanor Fruauff, Fred Sperber, and Sean Martin as they helped make Wortco a success.

In 1996, Tommy married Mary Deas Boykin Wagner and welcomed her children, Ted, Boykin and Deasy into his life. Tommy and Mary Deas were devoted to helping others, even on occasion orphaned baby animals. They also enjoyed traveling, including visits to all seven continents. Tommy and Mary Deas found opportunities to bike, hike, sail and even bungee jump. They also spent time in Boykin, South Carolina, where Mary Deas has extended family and deep roots. Their six grandchildren were a source of great joy.

Tommy was forever young in mind and body. He thrived on learning new things. He was fascinated by history of all sorts and especially the history of World War 2. His greatest life passion was for flying. He owned and flew several airplanes over the course of his lifetime. He kept friends and relatives on the edge of their seats when taking them for rides in his stunt plane. He helped to rebuild his favorite plane of all, a Piper Cub and inspired others to learn to fly.

Tommy was focused on community and helping others. He was past president of the Middletown Community Foundation and served on the vestry of The Church of the Ascension, and also on the Middletown Airport Commission.

Tommy will be dearly missed by his family, friends and the Middletown community. He was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and Foster; his sister, Betsy; and his first wife Mary. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Deas; her children, Teddy (Robin), Boykin and Deasy (Jay); by their grandchildren, Jackson, Camden, Court, Caroline, Charlotte and Alexander; his nieces, Libby, Sarah and Carolyn.

A special thank you to Hospice Care of Middletown for their expertise, support and care.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 12:00 noon at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 2709 McGee Ave, Middletown with Cannon Gregory P. Hinton and Father John Civille officiating.

Donations in Tommy’s honor will be welcomed at Hospice Care of Middletown, 4418 Lewis St., Suite B, Middletown, OH 45044 and The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 2709 McGee Ave, Middletown, OH 45044.

Sign the guestbook online at WilsonSchrammSpaulding.com