He leaves behind his wife and best friend, Beverly; one son, James of Davie, FL; brothers, Terry (Andrea) and William of Cleveland, OH, John (Joanne) of Fayetteville, GA; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Robert; mother, Virginia; and brother, Teddy.
Tom had many friends, both near and far. He retired in August 1996 after 36 years with the U.S. Air Force: active duty, reserves, and civil service. He flew for many years as a flight mechanic/engineer (helicopter and fixed wing) and was stationed at bases in Texas, New York, Hawaii, Ohio, and Florida. He was part of the Rescue and Recovery team that worked with NASA, establishing procedures for the rescue of space shuttle personnel should the need occur, and was part of the helicopter rescue crew that supported the first seven flights of the Columbia. He retired as Supervisor, Quality Assur ance Branch for aircraft maintenance from the 301 ARRS/920 RQW at Patrick AFB, FL.
Tom was an honorable man- always true to his word and his faith. He loved his family and his many friends, and loved playing golf with his buddies, especially the "debrief" after the game! He took great pride in whatever he did, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, from 6-8 pm at Florida Memorial Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Military Honors and Entombment will follow at Florida Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made in Toms memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
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