Thomas Richard Ries, 71, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2023, at his home in Eastport. Tom was born in East Orange, New Jersey, on July 29, 1951, son of James and Agnes Ries.

Tom was a graduate of Essex Catholic High School in New Jersey, Class of 1969. He worked for Essex County until being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Following his service, her returned home to his job with the county as a surveyor. He attended Newark College of Engineering and became a civil engineer with Essex County until his retirement in 2007. When both Tom and his wife Jean retired, they moved to Eastport. Here, Tom actively served with the United Veterans Honor Guard of Washington County.

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by a brother Philip. Surviving are his wife, Jean (Kosydar) Ries; children Denise Riley and her husband Tai of VA, Elissa Ries of NC, Katie Alderman of CA, Erin Iverson and husband Robert of NC; grandchildren and great grandchildren; and five siblings.