Little Orleans, Maryland - The Rev. Thomas W. Gills, 71, of Little Orleans, Md., died on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at his home. Born on Jan. 21, 1954, in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Ann (Malec) Kowalski.

Father Tom attended St. Mary's Seminary in Roland Park and was ordained into the priesthood in 1986. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving as a computer programmer prior to entering the seminary. Later, he became a military chaplain with the U.S. Air Force and was an Air Force Reserve Chaplain for about a decade (source: www.catholicreview.org). He attained the rank of Major and received many commendations for both domestic and foreign service. He was also a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He will be remembered for his kindness and devotion to his church and country.

He was an avid runner, hiker and bicyclist, who enjoyed the beauty of nature on his daily runs. He appreciated art and was drawn to pieces that displayed religion, nature and patriotism. Father Tom's family, especially his nieces and nephews, provided him with much joy and pride, and accompanied him on many outdoor adventures. He was quoted in the Catholic Review just ahead of his retirement, "I'll continue running, hiking, biking, boating, camping, and traveling but, most of all, I will remember that I am a priest forever and I plan to live the rest of my life accordingly."

His life was one of service, compassion, and faith. Spending nearly four decades in parish ministry, Father Tom retired from St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Parish on July 1, 2024.

He is survived by his siblings, Lynn Hadfield, Christine Baranoski and husband Charles, and Ted Kowalski and wife Michelle; nieces and nephews, Christopher Hadfield and wife Rose, Nic Gills and wife Dorota, Brent Gills and wife Seema, Alyssa Mlynarski and husband John, Eric Baranoski, and Kevin Baranoski; beloved great-nieces and great-nephew, Vivian and Lillian Hadfield, Chloe and Zac Gills, and Annie Mlynarski; sister-in-law, Debbie Gills; and many treasured friends and colleagues.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Gills; and a brother in law, William Hadfield.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m. in St. Peter at the Lake Catholic Church, 1140 Mosser Road, McHenry, MD 21541. A Funeral Mass in McHenry will be celebrated on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, with Archbishop William E. Lori presiding. Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #71 and the Deer Park VFW Post #10077 at 10:45 a.m., immediately followed by the eulogy and Mass.

Interment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Parish Outreach Ministry, 208 S 4th St., Oakland, MD 21550.

Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes, P.A. - Oakland is honored to be caring for Father Tom.