Thomas Stephen Lancaster, 55, passed away in his home in Tarrytown, NY on Thursday, May 17, 2018. He was born July 12, 1962 in Fort Meade, MD. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Douglas Lancaster and Harriet Louise Lancaster. He is survived by his wife, Laura Lancaster, FL; his son, Stephen Lancaster, FL; his daughter, Ashlee Hutcheson, FL; his sister, Helen Lancaster, FL; as well as his brother, Robert Lancaster, FL. In his early life his family moved frequently due to his father’s occupation with the United States Air Force, at one point living in Turkey, until they eventually settled in Tampa, FL. It was there he met his soon-to-be wife, Laura, and where he also began what would become a twenty-five year career as Project Manager with company Construction Technology. Shortly after the birth of his son, Stephen, in 1996, the family moved to Jacksonville, FL to be closer to family. He would later go on to manage the company’s New York office in Tarrytown, NY, allowing him to touch the lives of people across the country.
Whether he was in New York or Florida, “Mr. Tom” was involved and engaged in both communities. In Florida he was an avid fisherman and boater, having chartered boats in his youth and captaining the Contingensea in his later life for family and friends. His idea of a perfect day was out on the water, surrounded by those he loved most, teaching others about all that went into navigating, fishing and chartering the riverways and oceans of Florida. A member of Mandarin Presbyterian Church, he was deeply involved in the church’s Boy Scout Troop 321, able to see his son achieve a dream of his own in obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He could often be found hunched over the grill at scouting events with his friends, ensuring everyone had enough to eat.
In New York, he attended the Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns where he made lasting bonds with another congregation through his acts of volunteering and kindness, especially when it came time for the church’s annual Octoberfest celebration where he could be found under a tent, rain or shine, grilling up bratwurst and hotdogs for everyone, thinking of all, never of himself.
Tom will be missed by his loving family, and also by the friends he made in Tampa, Jacksonville and Tarrytown. The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 25, 2018 with visitation one hour prior to service in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin with Dr. Steven Negley as Officiant, followed by interment in Mandarin Cemetery on Mandarin Rd., Jacksonville, Fl. 32223. A reception celebrating the life of Tom will be held afterwards at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home from 4-6 pm.
Memorial contributions preferred to either Mandarin Presbyterian Church or the Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18