Thomas R. Ribble, 71, of Suffolk, VA, passed away April 16, 2012. He was born in Beaverton, OR, to the late Harold and Maybelle Ribble. He was a graduate of Beaverton High School, Class of 1959. After high school, Tom joined the U.S. Navy, where he served in the submarine service for 20 years, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO). While in the Navy, Tom earned his Associates Degree in Computer Science. After retiring from the Navy, Tom continued working for several years at both Unidyne and at the Joint Forces Command Center. Like his father Harold, Tom was a "jack of all trades and a master of them all." In his retirement, Tom enjoyed the outdoors and spent time fishing, gardening, and traveling.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Joanna W. Ribble; daughter and son-in-law, Elena and William Gairloch of Bellefonte, PA; sons and daughter-in-law, Thomas Ribble II, Suffolk, VA, and Timothy and Lyssa Ribble of San Rafael, CA; four grandchildren, Patrick, Katie, William and Madeline; brothers and sister-in-law, Donald and Betty Ribble of San Diego, CA, and Richard Ribble of Miami Beach, FL. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and other family members.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Rd. Suffolk, VA 23434, at a later date. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com