Tom was born April 4, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois to parents Edward and Grace Hirsch. He grew up in the close-knit community of Edgebrook in Northwest Chicago. His early education started at Sacred Heart Schools Hardy Prep and moved on to Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
Tom attended Northwestern University and graduated from Rockford College in Rockford, Illinois. In his younger years, he held a pilot’s license and owned a small engine aircraft. Tom loved to fly clients out to dinner in various cities around the Midwest. The greater part of Tom’s career was spent in sales. He liked to say that he had sold everything but his body! He owned and operated a printing business and later an auto parts store in Rockford, Illinois. From there, he transitioned into both selling and teaching computer software and eventually settled into selling residential and commercial flooring. In his retirement years, Tom did volunteer work as Florida data manager and safe driving instructor for AARP. He read and recorded books for Librivox audiobooks. But he had the most fun with his new business - “Your Special Day”, where he was officiating at weddings. You can also Goggle his name, along with the word “traditions”, and enjoy listening to his podcasts where he discusses various cultural wedding traditions. He was a man of many talents.
On May 20, 2006, Tom married Suzann Benzschawel-Hirsch, the love of his life. They were “The Perfect Match”. Their courtship followed the script of the movie “You’ve Got Mail”. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan just played the parts. Tom and Susie lived the love story. Having met on-line and after emailing back and forth for two months, they finally made plans to meet for dinner. Susie bought a new outfit and Tom arrived with flowers…and that was the beginning of their wonderful love affair.
Tom was an only child of an only child. When he married Susie, he instantly became a special part of her very large family. He was loved and will be missed by so many. Tom always had a joke to share and when he laughed, he really laughed! He loved and he was loved. His faith was deep and he was ready to meet his God.
They loved taking road trips and cruises - especially their honeymoon in Tahiti with a cruise back to Hawaii. Their picture albums show them in Germany, Alaska, the Caribbean and any number of state-side locations.
Tom is survived by his wife, Susie, son - Kent Davis and grandchildren, Trevor, Miranda and Cody of Bradenton, FL., son - Troy and Rosanna Davis and grandsons Garrett and Heath of Tarpon Springs FL. and son - Todd Davis and granddaughter Annabella of Trinity, FL., sister-in-law Peggy Benzschawel, of West Dundee, IL and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Grace Hirsch.
The Family would like to thank Dr. Jonathan Strosberg of Moffitt Cancer Center who has traveled this journey with us for 10 years. Thanks also to the staff and nurses of Moffitt Cancer Center and the staff of the Suncoast Hospice Center for their concern and caring.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation. Donations can be made by mailing a check to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, MBC-FOU, 12902Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612; online at Moffitt.org/Donate; or by calling 1-800-456-3434 ext. 1403. Please include: Honoree name; name of family member to be notified; address of family member to be notified when gifts are made; and designation if you would like to have your gift made in their name be directed to a specific program area.
A gathering and reception for Thomas will be held Monday, December 19, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM ... with a special "Sharing of Memories" at 6:00 PM ... at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 2853 SUNSET POINT RD, CLEARWATER, FL 33759.
A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 1:00 PM at St. Ignatius of Antioch Roman Catholic Church, 715 EAST ORANGE ST., TARPON SPRINGS, FL. 34689. Internment of his ashes will take place at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com for the Hirsch/Davis family.
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