George Marenic

Colonel George Thomas Marenic, 69, of Thurmont, Maryland, was called home on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Born on November 11, 1951, in Russellville, AR, he was the son of the late William and Alvenia (Barton) Marenic. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda Marenic.

Tom graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1969, where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife Linda. He went on to graduate from Charleston Southern University. Tom earned a Masters degree at the Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, CA in 1981.

After college, Tom was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He graduated from pilot training in 1976. Tom began flying B-52’s, then was selected as a Chinese Diplomatic Escort pilot. He finished his flying career flying the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). He was the Commander Squadron One NATO AWACS in Geilenkirchen, Germany, where he was directly involved in operations Deny Flight and Deliberate Force. Tom served as the Air Force Attaché at the United State’s Embassy in Tokyo Japan, and he served as an Intelligence Officer post 9/11 at the Defense Intelligence Agency.

In 2004, Tom retired from the Air Force at the rank of Colonel. After retirement he continued working with the Federal Government, helping to establish the Department of Homeland Security under Governor Ridge. He continued to work with DHS and US Customs and Border Protection until his retirement in 2018.

Tom and Linda split their time at Ole Mink Farm in Thurmont and their second home in New Hartford, New York, where he loved his Preswick Glen Family. He spent many hours playing bridge and visiting with the residents. Tom also enjoyed traveling, camping, and walking on the beach, especially at sunset, with his wife Linda. And he really loved spending time with the Irons Family, his “Mountain Family”. He loved his church, Salem United Methodist Church, and was passionate about the mission work with the Least of These Ministries in the Dominican Republic.

In addition to his wife, Linda; he is survived by sons, Thomas Marenic and wife, Maritza, and Timothy Marenic and wife, Kelli. He adored his five grandchildren, Seth, Caitlyn, Emily, Mackenzie, and Thomas. He is also survived by his older brother, Lee Marenic of Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his brother, James Marenic.

Funeral services will be private. Final resting place ceremonies will be held at a later date, with military honors, at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Least of These Ministries at PO Box 2824, Westminster, MD 21158.