Thomas was born and grew up in Mankato, Minnesota and was the only child of Margaret (Gross) Dooley and Charles Dooley. In 1950, Tom took ‘a year out’ after his first year of Teachers College planning to gather some income, but he was promptly drafted into the army and the military became his career for 29 years. He served placements in Germany, Vietnam and the USA, mainly as an Intelligence officer and a tactical/strategic officer.

During high school, college, and army placements, Tom made and kept in touch with many friends. This continued after his retirement in Oak Harbor where he enjoyed opportunities to hunt, fish and take part in community activities. He navigated his boat back and forth to Alaska five times. Tom is predeceased by his first wife, Sibylle Schubart, his second wife Margaret Weiss and by his son Jack Dooley. He is survived by daughter Lynn Ruth Dooley, son Michael Dooley, daughter-in-law Kate Elliot, and by his third wife Marilynn (Lynn) Dooley, a Canadian. He and Lynn enjoyed traveling and spending time together in both countries. She was with him when he passed away in the hospital in Anacortes.