Thomas Charles Mennitt, 88, passed away peacefully February 11, 2023. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 8, 1934, and raised in Miami, Florida during the last stages of the Depression and through World War II. His parents were Lawrence Albert Mennitt and Marcella Maxine (Carsten) Mennitt and his brother was Lawrence Carsten Mennitt.
He attended Miami High and Coral Gables High Schools. It was there that he learned about and developed a lifelong love of classical and jazz music. He enlisted in the Navy in 1952, training as an electronics technician. He served on the USS Noble, transporting soldiers and civilians at the end of the Korean Conflict.
Tom attended the University of Florida on the GI Bill, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. Starting as an auditor, he developed an interest in criminal investigation, and he trained to become a Special Agent with the Internal Revenue Service's Intelligence Division in Miami. Tom investigated cases involving gambling and organized crime. In Miami, he accepted details to the Secret Service to guard presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan. Tom was a successful investigator and developed into a skilled manager, eventually becoming Chief of Criminal Investigations for Northern New England in Burlington, Vermont. He also served as Group Manager for Western Massachusetts, and upon retirement from federal service, completed his career as Chief of Criminal Investigations for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue in Boston.
He was a loving, wise, and wonderful father and grandfather. An avid storyteller with exceptional recall, he could provide gentle and effective guidance through the lens of life experience. He was a devoted friend and life partner to his wife, Ruth. They enjoyed many travel adventures and time spent with friends and family.
In retirement, Tom enjoyed traveling and playing golf, most recently as a member of the Mimosa Hills Golf Club. Over 26 years, he helped build 80 homes in Florida and North Carolina as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Working side-by-side with the homes' future owners, Tom dedicated countless hours to Habitat's vision: "A world where everyone has a decent place to live."
He leaves his wife of 40 years, Ruth, and children from his first marriage to Kate (Wares) Mennitt; son Stuart and grandchildren Benjamin and Elizabeth of Virginia, and daughter Lilly Talbert, her husband Charles, and grandchild Willem of Vermont.
The family extends appreciation to neighbors and friends who have provided sustained love and support and to the warm and caring staff at Magnolia Lane Nursing and Rehab Center.
No services are planned.
Those who would like to celebrate Tom's life are encouraged to donate to Habitat for Humanity of Burke County, PO Box 352, Morganton, NC 28680-0352.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Thomas Charles Mennitt.
Ruth, Gary and I are so sorry to learn the loss of Tom. He was truly one of God's warriors and set a beautiful example of what being a Christian is all about. May you and your family find the peace, comfort and love during this very difficult time. Savor the beautiful memories in your heart.... Peace be with you, Grace
Ruth, so sorry for your loss. Enjoyed playing golf with Tom. Prayers for you and all of his family.
Ruthie, Larry and I were so blessed to have Tom in our lives. He was certainly the ‘gentle man’ that you so eloquently described. We will miss his sweet presence in our lives. In Loving Memory, Larry and Diana Anderson
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Tom. I worked with Tom many Wednesdays building Habitat houses here in Burke County. He was a joy to work with and I always enjoyed his friendship. I know he will be missed greatly.