ROCKLAND — Thomas L. Emery, 79, died Dec. 8, 2012, at his home after a brief period of declining health.

Born in Rockland April 11, 1933, he was one of eight children of Hoyt G. and Dorothy Blake Emery. He was educated in Rockland schools.

On Aug. 22, 1953, he married Margaret H. Perry in Rockland. The couple have made their home in Rockland since that time.

Tom's first employment was as a tree climber with Lucas Tree Service. He later worked at 40 Fathoms Seafood in Rockland until the closing of that plant, and then at Knox Woolen Mill in Camden, until that facility closed. More recently and until his retirement in 1997, Tom worked at the transfer station in Rockport.

He enjoyed fishing for mackerel off the Rockland Pier and often picnicked with his wife at Sandy Beach. In past years he volunteered at the St. Bernard's Soup Kitchen.

Besides his wife of Rockland, Tom is survived by one son, Wayne Emery and his wife, Tammy, of Cushing; a brother, Harold Emery of Blue Hill; a sister, Sally Trimboli and her husband, Peter, of Las Vegas, N.V.; one granddaughter, Angela King and her husband, Ed, of Owls Head; three great-grandchildren, Laney, Hallye and Aisley; as well as several nieces and nephews, including a niece to whom he was very close, Jonelle Bowlin of Las Vegas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Bernard's Soup Kitchen, c/o St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, 7 Union St., Camden, ME 04843.

To share a memory or story with Tom's family, visit his online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Private arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.