He was born in Hudson Falls, New York and married his great love and partner in life, Patricia Tillinghast, on October 8, 1960. Together they raised six children. Tom, a child of immigrant parents, exemplified the values of faith, hard work and kindness.
After a tour in the Navy, college, and some time playing semi-pro baseball, he embarked on a life-long career with department store chains and eventually with Cooper Industries.
Tom never knew a stranger, making anyone whom he encountered feel seen and heard. An armchair philosopher, he had great intellectual curiosity and loved the sharing of ideas and problem solving. The greatest source of joy for Tom was his 58 year marriage and spending time with his children and grandchildren. As a life-long Catholic, Tom engaged in all aspects of parish life and, as a member of the Knights of Columbus, served as a Grand Knight. In retirement, Tom enjoyed serving the homebound with Meals on Wheels.
Tom moved with his family from Rochester, New York to Centerville, Ohio; from there they moved to Texas, residing in both Burleson and Sulphur Springs before finally settling in Lubbock.
He was preceded in death by daughter, Linda; wife, Patricia; parents, Vincent and Stella; siblings Edmond, Amelia and Joseph.
He is survived by his children: Lauri Deckard, Timothy Sipowicz (Lori), Thomas Sipowicz, Susan Martz and Michael Sipowicz (Kimberly); sister, Tekla; brother-in-law, John and Barbara Tillinghast; sister-in-law, Ann Harris; sixteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive guests at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Resthaven’s Abbey Chapel for a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 2, 2021 at Christ the King Cathedral, Lubbock Texas.
Livestream will be available on Christ the King Cathedral's website ctk-cathedral.org.
Interment will follow at the City of Lubbock Cemetery. Please visit www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lubbock Meals on Wheels.
