Thomas J. (Tatts Tommy) Breitweg, 82 died June 22, 2001, at his Elm Street residence, in Newport, Maine. He was born June 10, 1919, at Pequannock, N. J. , the son of John and Florence (Deitrich) Breitweg.

He attended Irvington High school and served two years in the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) in Nevada. during World War ll, Tommy served in the U.S. Navy as a torpedo man aboard the U.S.S. Meade.

In 1944 he married the former Gloria Mileti. He started tattooing in New Jersey in 1939, moving to Newport, Me. with his family in 1964. He owned and operated tattoo parlors in Newport, Bangor, Brewer, and Waterville, Maine, working until April 2001.

He was the first tattoo artist in Maine for many years and held license No. 01 until his retirement In April 2001 due to failing health. At the time of his retirement, "Tatts Tommy" was the oldest practicing tattoo artist in the United States.

While operating his tattoo business, he also owned and operated Newport Chrome Plating Company for many years, as well as Tommy's Gun Shop. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, many national tattoo associations and organizations, and the Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post No 11191 of Newport, Maine.