BATH — Thomas S. York, 73, of Bath, died June 30 after a three-month battle with CNS lymphoma.

Born in Rumford, York was the son of Edith and Samuel York. He graduated from Morse High School in 1959 and the University of Maine in 1963, majoring in mechanical engineering. York met his wife, Beth, at a friend’s wedding, and the couple enjoyed 49 years of marriage together.

York began his career as a mechanical engineer at Nestle USA in Connecticut, before returning to work in Maine at Bath Iron Works. There, he held positions including vice president of facilities, and retired at age 52 from BIW after 25 years of service. He then began his second career, growing and selling rhododendrons and azaleas in seven greenhouses at York’s Hardy Rhododendrons of North Bath. He retired, again, after 20 years in the flower business.

York enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, photography, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren, who called him “Beeps.” Watching them play soccer, field hockey or lacrosse was a favorite pastime. Within the past year, he also picked up the hobby of hand-building beautiful canoes.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Kendall York, of Bath; two children, Andy York and his wife, Michelle, of Scarborough, and Julie York of Massachusetts; two grandchildren, Maddie and Kayleigh York of Scarborough; a brother, Samuel York, and his wife Donna, of Cumberland, and their children, Christopher and Heather.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff who gave loving care to York while at Maine Medical Center and at Gosnell Hospice.

Visiting hours and a funeral were held July 3 at David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, in Bath.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Gibson Pavilion, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102, or to the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust, P.O. Box 1128, Bath, ME 04530.

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