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<p><em>William Thomas “Tom” Veal Jr.</em> was born on March 18, 1939 on the shore of Long Island Sound in Stonington, CT to William Thomas Veal Sr. and Natalie. He graduated from Northfield Mount Herman Academy and then joined the Class of 1960 at West Point. Tom was an excellent student, and he especially excelled at Portuguese, regularly outperforming classmates (many of whom had lived in Brazil). He had a deep love for art, classical music and European travel, managing two summer trips there while as a cadet.</p>
<p>After graduation, he married Neena, his longtime girlfriend, and together they had two daughters, Laird and Lee. Tom selected Field Artillery as his branch and was stationed with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. He later attended the advanced course at Fort Sill, OK before resigning to attend dental school at the University of Tennessee and subsequently orthodontics at Loma Linda University in California. By then Tom had decided that California was where he belonged.</p>
<p>Tom transferred to the Army Reserve and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel after 12 years of distinguished service. He opened an orthodontic practice in Oxnard, CA. The office flourished. Tom bought a beautiful space, and the practice became a thriving success, bringing smiles to so many who needed his help. A former patient reflected on his care and how it benefited her. She wrote: “He worked his magic on my overbite and crooked teeth over years. I enjoyed making the trip to Oxnard to see Dr. Veal because his office had such a positive and welcoming atmosphere. His genuine concern for my well-being was truly appreciated, and he made a potentially scary process much easier with his calming presence and reassuring words. Dr. Veal’s dedication and care made a significant difference in my life and smile for which I will always be grateful.”</p>
<p>After three years of marriage, Tom and Neena divorced, and Tom had many single years. One day, a beautiful water salesperson came into his office. Tom later joked, “I am buying whatever you have for sale.” Over time, one thing led to another and eventually Tom married the love of his life. He and Karen were married for over 32 years, and their life together brought immense joy to them both. They cherished time with friends, including reunions with West Point classmates at Founders Day and gatherings with the West Point Society of Los Angeles.</p>
<p>A particularly memorable event was always the biannual visits of Preban Vils, his favorite Portuguese instructor, as he traveled around the United States. Preban especially liked the beaches in Oxnard. Tom and Karen also enjoyed European travel, particularly a wonderful trip to Sligo on the west coast of Ireland, which was the ancestral home of a classmate. It was a blast of history, fun and beauty.</p>
<p>Tom was an avid traveler and sports fan and believed in living fully. A quiet but powerful presence, he was known for his wisdom, warmth, and integrity. No matter if someone knew Tom for days or decades, he made a profound and positive impact on everyone he met through his kindness and generosity. Tom also maintained a high level of respect and regard for the Army, his classmates and soldiers in general, and he cheered for the Army sports teams, particularly the Football Team.</p>
<p>Life, of course, was not without its trials. After 25 years of marriage, Karen was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. As her conditioned worsened, Tom chose to care for her at home, year after year. He often said: “She cared for me for 25 years. Now it is my turn to help her.” A love like theirs is rare.</p>
<p>As a grandfather of four (Martin, Brianna, Connor, and Gabriel), Tom was a steady, compassionate presence. He was equal parts mentor, listener, and role model. He brought the same quiet strength and unwavering values to his relationships with his grandchildren that he had demonstrated throughout his military and professional life. He shared stories of his service, his travels, and his love for learning, always with a sense of humility and purpose.</p>
<p>He offered guidance—not through lectures, but through example. Whether encouraging academic pursuits, offering wisdom during challenging moments, or simply showing up with genuine interest in their lives, Tom made a lasting impact on each of his grandchildren. He was patient, thoughtful, present, and always ready to share a story, ask a meaningful question, or provide a warm smile and a reassuring word.</p>
<p>To his grandchildren, he represented the best of what a grandfather could be: principled, generous, and deeply devoted to family. He took pride in their growth and accomplishments, and his belief in them never wavered. Even as his health declined, he remained a source of strength and stability. His presence anchored family traditions, celebrated life’s milestones, and quietly shaped the next generation through his enduring character.</p>
<p>Tom passed away peacefully at home on June 19, 2025, surrounded by Karen and his family. A wonderful man has gone to his reward. There was a fitting funeral service held for Tom at the beautiful Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo, CA. Tom was one of the club’s founders. His membership number was “003.” There were approximately 90 guests at his service, which included a display of West Point memorabilia: his diploma, Howitzer and hundreds of photos.</p>
<p><em>Va com Deus, Tomas.</em> (Go with God, Tom.)</p>
<p><em>— Family, Classmates and Former Patient</em></p>
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