Tom Munson Sr. ... played on undefeated 1947 UNH football team; at 101

DOVER - Tom Munson Sr. of Dover died on March 18, 2025, at the age of 101. He was a man of great wit, integrity and grace and will be forever cherished by those of us who knew him well. He passed with family by his side under the care of the nursing staff of Langdon Place.

Tom was born Feb. 18, 1924, on Badger's Island in Kittery, Maine to Hollis and Ann Munson of Dover.

He was raised in Dover and often talked fondly of his experiences growing up in what then was a small town. He graduated from Dover High School in 1942 and at age 18 enlisted in the Army. After completing military training at Fort Bragg he was deployed to England. He fought in Europe from France into Germany and fell in love with Paris, where he was stationed at the end of World War II. Upon returning home, Tom attended the University of New Hampshire, graduating in 1949 with a degree in history and also played football and lacrosse. Tom played center on the 1947 UNH Football Team that was inducted into the UNH Hall of Fame for their undefeated season and had the opportunity to play in the "Glass Bowl" in Toledo, Ohio. In one of his early jobs, Tom served as Director of the Dover Recreation Dept. and during this time brought little league baseball to the city of Dover.

In 1955 Tom married his wife of 67 years, Katherine Hashem. They built a house and raised five children in Dover, where they met lifelong friends. Once entering his long-term profession as an educator, Tom taught civics, history, English, audio visual, and drivers' education at Dover High School, for a total of 39 years. He also coached baseball, football and the rifle teams.

Tom dedicated his life to being an outstanding citizen of Dover through his work in education and coaching. He led with compassion, humility and honesty. He was a devoted family man, had an infectious laugh, smile and quick wit that his family will cherish forever and truly miss. He was a constant life-long learner, challenging himself to keep up with the multitude of changes he saw in his 101 years. His wisdom was deep and plentiful and will remain a part of his legacy. He loved to read and especially to travel, the latter which he would do at the drop of a hat. Through the years he re-visited Paris, drove to Alaska twice, vacationed in York, Moody Beach and "up the mountains" regularly, knowing all of New England like the back of his hand.

Tom is survived by his five children: Thomas Munson Jr. (wife Doreen) of Dover, Dennis Munson (wife Margaret) of Dover, John Munson (wife Kim Goody) of Ryegate, Vt., Kathy Haight (husband Steve) of Dover, and James Munson (wife Alexis) of Hamden, Conn. Tom has eight grandchildren (Julie Munson, Michelle Munson, Amanda Parkhurst, Jimmy Haight, Jonathan Haight, Antonia Munson, Hollis Munson and Amelie Munson), five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews - all whom he cherished.