Obituary of Thomas Arthur Enger

Tom Enger was born in San Mateo, California on October 11, 1944. He passed away peacefully on September 15, 2024 surrounded by family and friends.

Tom has lived an interesting life. He was the son of Admiral Walter Enger and Charlotte Enger. As a result of growing up in a military family, Tom moved from coast to coast of the United States, relocating multiple times during his school years.

Tom graduated from George Washington University with a degree in electric engineering and spent his professional life working for IBM. His patented inventions were key to the development of the 3081 mainframe computers. He subsequently became an expert on all the effects of the environment on the performance of mainframe computers.

Tom was also very interested in the arts. He was president of the Dutchess County Arts Council during its formative years. He loved singing, starting with singing “Dear Hearts and Gentle People” on the radio when he was four. As an adult, he was a long standing member of the Poughkeepsie New Yorkers Barbershop Chorus. He was an avid photographer, belonging to several photo clubs in the Dutchess County area. For several years, Tom wrote the monthly arts article for Hudson Valley Magazine.

Tom’s life fundamentally changed when he joined Alcoholics Anonymous in 1988. He spent the remainder of his life in that organizations, helping others find their way to sobriety. Tom came to faith in God under the influence of AA and treasured this new dimension of his character until the end of his earthly life.

Tom was married to his wife, Gerry for 50 years. They had a love of the arts in common, as well as being loving parents to 9 beautiful dogs during their years together. For ten years, Tom and Gerry took their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to Vassar Hospital to cheer up patients and staff. They were also caregivers to Gerry’s mother for many years. They opened their home many times to fellow AA and Al Anon members to help in time of crisis.

Tom’s life was enriched by many beloved relatives and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 12 noon at Hopewell Reformed Church, 143 Beekman Road in Hopewell Junction. A reception will follow.