Thomas F. Marx

LIBERTY – Thomas F. Marx, 85, passed away Sept. 30, 2026 at his home in Liberty, Maine after a long illness, surrounded by loved ones and family.

Tom was born in Bronxville, N.Y. to parents Arthur Marx and Marie DeMotte, but soon moved to Alstead, N.H. to live on a farm that he loved. He attended school there and made many friends in the small community, friendships that have lasted for over 50 years. One of his best stories from that time was a cross country trip he made with his friend Dale and a bunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Tom and his sister, Randee, also enjoyed many adventures together such as the famous mashed potato fight and swimming at Vilas Pool.

Tom attended Columbia University, Harvard University, and the University of Iowa where he obtained his PhD. He began his career as an educator in 1962 as a teacher in New Hampshire. He came to Maine in 1970 to work in the Portland school system and in 1974 he took a position as the Superintendent of Schools in Camden where he remained until his first retirement in 1997.

From 1997 until 2013, Tom served as an Interim Superintendent in Searsport, Appleton, Hope, Lincolnville, Dresden, Monhegan Island, and North Haven. He then began his second retirement!

As an educator, Tom was well known for his negotiating skills, and his ability to solve problems. He was instrumental in the construction of a new high school in Camden, and a new school on North Haven.

But just as important as his career, Tom was a man of many passions. He loved fly-fishing, and made many trips UP NORTH with his friends where they canoed down rivers, fishing as they went. He also loved his Red Sox, even when they were awful! But one of his best days was when the Red Sox FINALLY won a World Series in 2004 and ended the Curse of the Bambino! He also enjoyed coin collecting, gardening, and golf.

Perhaps Tom’s greatest passion was his faithful attendance at AA meetings for over 40 years. Tom went not only for himself but to mentor other attendees. Many of his best friends were found there.

Tom married Lyn Marx (maiden name Lyn Antonson) from Concord, N.H. in 1965. They had two daughters, Sarah and Amy. As a family they had many adventures, such as trips in their VW vans, spending time at the New Hampshire fishing camp, travels abroad, and of course countless cribbage and card games. His daughters remained the joys of his life until he died.

Tom married again in 2009 to Marilyn Stumpff of Liberty. They began another chapter of his life that included travel to many, many places, and a second home in Naples, Fla. Tom fulfilled a life-long dream there by buying a BMW Z3 in baby blue.

Tom really loved all his grandchildren whether by blood or marriage. He enjoyed many activities with them from ballgames, to fishing, to canoeing, and visits to the beach and Santa’s Village. As they grew older, there were spirited discussion of the Red Sox chances that year.

Tom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018. It was a long hard journey which ended Sept. 30, 2026 with family around his bedside.

Tom was predeceased by his father, Arthur Marx and his mother, Marie DeMotte Miterko.

Tom is survived by his sister, Randee Barry of Washington Ga.; his first wife, Lyn Marx of Hope; his daughters and their spouses Sarah Marx and Brian McGill, Amy Marx and Chris Koerber; and his wife, Marilyn Stumpff of Liberty. He is also survived by his stepchildren Jenny Tibbetts, Joshua Stumpff and spouse Michelle Holder, and Nathan Stumpff and spouse Yasmeen Hossain. His blended family includes 10 grandchildren, Eli Marx McGill, Hazel Stumpff, Eva Stumpff, Sierra Koerber-Marx, Jasper Marx McGill, Bianca Stumpff, Maya Koerber-Marx, Willow Koerber-Marx, Hank Tibbetts, and Jed Tibbetts.

A memorial service will be held at Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast, on Friday, Oct. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.ripostafh.com

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to

AA

c/o Attitude Adjustment Group

P.O. Box 998

Camden, ME 04843