Thomas J. Gatherum, 79, of Penacook, died on September 2, 2026, at Granite VNA Hospice House in Concord.

Born in Concord on March 3, 1947, he was the son of James and Marjorie (Bates) Gatherum. He was a 1965 graduate of Concord High School. Tom's passion for aviation led him to earn an aeronautical master technician certificate from East Coast Aero Tech in 1967. Later, he earned his commercial pilot and flight instructor certifications and worked as a charter pilot and flight instructor at Ferns Flying Service out of the Concord Municipal Airport. He proudly served from 1967-79 as Crew Chief and Air Ambulance Aidman on UH-1 helicopters with the 397th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance) of the New Hampshire Army National Guard. He also served as a paid on-call firefighter and dispatcher for Concord Fire Department. He was an Advanced EMT with Penacook Rescue Squad and an EMT Instructor/Coordinator for the State of New Hampshire.

In 1969, Tom began his career at Concord Electric Co. as a meter reader. Over the next 45 years, he built a career he truly enjoyed, ultimately managing litigation for Unitil Service Corp. across three states until his retirement in 2015.

Tom loved rock and ice climbing in the White Mountains and is credited with establishing multiple first-ascent rock routes. He was the Chairperson for the Appalachian Mountain Club, New Hampshire Chapter, Mountaineering Committee for five years. He enjoyed giving back to his community, serving on the Concord Planning Board, as President of the Penacook-Boscawen Little League, as a NHIAA-patched official for high school soccer and basketball, and as a volunteer for N.H. Fish & Game Hunter Safety programs.

In retirement, Tom enjoyed traveling to Texas for rodeos, concerts and to sample barbeque. His favorite barbeque was The Salt Lick in Driftwood, Texas, a spot he visited many times, eventually becoming friends with the owner. He loved sharing this passion for barbeque and Texas with others, frequently organizing and hosting lively street-wide cookouts at his home.

Family includes his three children, Beth Gatherum Catenza of Bow; Timothy Gatherum and wife Daizha of Moultonborough; and Laurie Weingartner and husband Mark of Hooksett; five grandchildren and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, John Gatherum; and his son-in-law, Angelo Catenza.

Family and friends are invited to gather Thursday, September 10th 5:00-7:00pm at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 172 King St., Boscawen. A private burial service will be held at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Granite VNA Hospice House www.granitevna.org or Boston Children’s Hospital www.childrenshospital.org. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please visit www.phaneuf.net.