Thomas Paul Brittain, Jr.

Thomas P. Brittain, Jr. of Silver Spring, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. He was 101 years old. Thomas was born on May 8, 1920 to Thomas P. and Fannie (Wingo) Brittain in Rockford, Illinois. Thomas was predeceased in death by his loving wife Mary (Watson) Brittain, of 45 years.

Thomas graduated from Hyattsville High School, MD in 1938 and began working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Lithographic Artist.  Thomas then enlisted in U.S. Army in 1944 serving in World War II as a Liaison Agent and a Certified Sharpshooter. Upon being honorably discharged, Thomas returned to the Army Corps of Engineers as a Lithographic Artist until his retirement in 1970. While working, Thomas opened his own business called, Brittain Marine Survey, in 1957. He researched, classified, evaluated and surveyed marine vessels in the Washington D.C. area. Thomas also designed and patented the plans for the Chesapeake 24’ – A Family Cruising Sailboat with four full size sleeping berths. Thomas’ design was published in Boats Today in 1960 and the building plans were available for purchase through Universal Motor Company.

Thomas and his wife Mary spent many years docking in Annapolis or Deale, Maryland. They sailed up and down the east coast, primarily south to Miami and the Florida Keys. Thomas and his wife owned a few sailing vessels, one of his favorites was the “Mary B”. They lived in Gaithersburg, Maryland in the late ‘80’s, where they resided until her passing in 2000. Later, Thomas moved to Silver Spring, MD where he resided until his death. In his later years, he turned his passion from boats to photography, and sports cars where he did not fall short with his selection. Thomas never let things get in his way of enjoying life, being happy, taking pictures, smiling, and spending time with his those he loved.

Thomas is survived by his son James F. Brittain, his grandson James F. Brittain, Jr. (Mary Louise), his granddaughter Terri L. Perrell (Tom), his ex-daughter in law, Janis L. Nagel (Phil), his wife’s niece Diana Blalock (Dick), his great-grandsons Tommy Perrell, Curtis Perrell (Sarah) and JT Brittain, and his great-granddaughters Mariana Brittain and Jenna Perrell.  Thomas was predeceased in death by his father Thomas P. Brittain, his mother Fannie (Wingo) Brittain, his wife Mary (Watson) Brittain, his sisters Juanita Brittain, Martha (Copen) Brittain and Judith (Barrett) Brittain, his brother Arthur Edward Brittain (WWII, KIA, Aug-43), and his niece Deborah Barrett.

Graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 6 at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. Interment will immediately follow. Visitation is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Thomas P. Brittain, to Fisher House Foundation which provides support to families of fallen or disabled veterans. www.fisherhouse.org