The first time I met Thom, he had on his prep maroon and white outfit.  We became friends and I always liked his slow demeanor.  He didn't have a ton of friends at St. Thomas, but that was their loss. Cheerleader at UN Asheville,  he was outgoing and we loved music , especially the BeeGees. He had an aura that drew people to him and his drawl would command a listen. A big regret in my life was not keeping in touch with him.  I still have the opening day pictures he sent of Tampa's Busch Gardens and the pride he had working for them.  He always was aces to me and everyone he encountered.  It was the utmost gift to know him, call him a friend, and be in his company.  Many have known him,  but I knew him  profoundly and will always miss him. To Suzanne and Lori, you had a great brother! He will always be in my heart.

Only recently found out about my good friend Thom's  passing.  So many memories from Ft. Lauderdale and fun at St. Thomas Aquinas high school.  We loved to listen to the Tams :Be young, be foolish, but be happy.  A true gentleman with that drawl. Remember Suzanne loved making dresses and little sister Laurie swallowing a bottle of Chocks vitamins.  We had some memorable times.  Still have the original pics when Busch Gardens opened and he was so proud to work there.  Always a friend .

Dear Mr. Stork's Family,
      I briefly was introduced to Mr. Stork at our church.He was most gracious in listening to my concerns for a granddaughter who was interested in learning how to get involved with the aquarium. He asked she sent a resume to him and he was most kind in personally answering her that he was most impressed with her qualifications..May he rest in peace with the angels.
                                                         Linda M.. Campisi

Dear Donna and family,  So sorry to hear about Thom's passing.  When I first came to the Tampa Bay area, Thom was generous with his time and advice.  We worked together on many projects promoting the Airport, Tampa Bay and Busch Gardens.  Plus, our times together on our boat were special.  Thom was a very special person; a true gentleman and a great friend.  He will be missed.  With love, Ralph

It's so difficult to come up with words to say how sorry we are to learn of Thom's passing.  Our prayers are with all his family and friends.  May your precious memories help you through this most difficult of times.

Dear Donna & Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Thom was a wonderful person and will be missed greatly. Please know that he is watching over you and he will live on in your hearts and your very special memories of him.
Sincerely,

With sympathy for your family's loss, and gratitude for all Thom did for our community, please know he was, and his lasting, positive impact still is, tremendously appreciated.

To the Stork Family and all at the Florida Aquarium, we are deeply saddened by Thom's passing.  He has done great things and will be greatly missed.

Dear Donna and family,
Thom was a most wonderful man and friend to our whole family. We will all always remember his interest in everything, his love of family, friends, and life, and his fabulous chuckle. Ever since he repeatedly made coffee at our house because he made it so much better than me, we've never made coffee without a smiling nod to our buddy Thom. Heaven is a better place now. We will miss him and we are always here for you. 
Love, the Nafe Family

To the Stork Family, 
We extend deep and heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Mike Nursey, TD Bank

Dear Donna, Family & Friends, 
Anita and I share your grief in the loss of Thom.  He was a gentleman, a leader and a visionary.  He was instrumental in leading Florida's tourism industry and was a mentor to so many.  His infectious smile, light-hearted spirit and love of family and colleagues will be missed.  Florida's tourism industry will forever be indebted to Thom for his leadership and passion.

To Thom's family and friends, my deepest sympathy.  He was a kind and loving man who was truly respected by so many people. He was a leader to many and an inspiration to all.  May he be remembered for all the accomplishments he made and the people he touched.

We will greatly miss our beloved friend Thom. I first met Thom through our "Boys Night Out" group and quickly gravitated to his warm and engaging personality. We became even closer as he so gallantly battled his medical issues. He was always upbeat and so grateful to his friends for their support. I will always remember fondly the romantic bay cruise he arranged for our group over the holidays. A few months ago, a group of "pirates" from YMKG was filming a tourism promotion at the aquarium. Although Thom wasn't present, his beloved staff insisted I be photographed sitting with my feet upon at his office desk so they could have fun with it the next day. They were so excited to share this humorous moment with him-a tribute to their love and affection for Thom, their boss! Thom, I will miss you and think of you often.
Dr. Neil Fenske and Robyn

Brendan and I send our thoughts and prayers to Donna and family. We lost a great man. I'll always be grateful for having the privilege of working with Thom for 4 years at the Aquarium. I called Thom a CEO's CEO. He epitomized leadership and kindness. He will be missed.

To the Stork Family, My sincere condolences on your loss. I had the privilege and honor to work with Thom for many years while managing Channelside. The many events we worked on he was always a first class gentleman and will be greatly missed by so many who had the privilege to call him "friend". Always loved the bow tie. Rest in peace.

First met happy, funny Thom in 1977, in Ma Trib's newsroom, as he was dispensing "Go for 0" T-shirts that depicted a sinking pirate ship (way before the Bucs gained some respect).  Truly sad and sorry for his passing.  Take solace in what a wonderful and admirable person he was.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Thom will be greatly missed by so many.  My condolences and prayers for the family.

To the Stork family,
Thom meant so much to so many here at the aquarium. I was blessed to be able to have him down the hall from me for all of his 14 years. I will miss him going out in the hall way asking me to find someone for him. So one day I remined him we have this new thing called a phone and he said to me but you can find them better this way. LOL

Love all of you, 
Margaret Blazer
Receptionist for the Florida Aquarium

Dearest Donna, it is with a heavy heart that I express to you and your family, my deepest condolences on the passing of Thom. It seems our lives were intertwined all the way back to 1982 when you were a rep for Adventure Island, he was at BG/AI Marketing on Bougainvillea, and I at Holiday Inn on Fowler Ave.  We were young; you and he so very much in love, and you stayed that way the rest of your lives together.  Though you lost him way too soon, you hang on to that.  Not everyone finds it.  I will think of him and you often, as I always have.  To you I wish strength and faith.  Love, Delia Quiroz

Thom was a Great friend and an incredible person!  It was a pleasure working with Thom at Sea World and our industry has lost a real talent and true gentleman. To his family, I know the loss hurts so much now, but you all have so many wonderful memories that will help carry you through this. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!

No one will wear a seersucker suit better than Thom. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Love, Brittany

Thom was a gentleman a good businessman and had a kind heart.  He was a tremendous asset to the Florida Aquarium seeing it through difficult times and bringing it to a successful community asset.  I'm  sure his family and the Aquarium team will miss him immensely. 

I had the honor of having lunch with Thom a couple of months ago and very much enjoyed getting to know him better.  May he rest in peace with eternal health!

Frank Dame, EVP/COO Clearwater Marine Aquarium

To the Stork family, I worked closely with Thom in his first years at The Florida Aquarium. I served as the executive assistant to the EVP, who reported to Thom. While I did not assume a prominent place of importance in the organizational hierarchy, Thom never treated me as if I were a "lowly" underling. He always greeted me with the same respect and courtesy as if he were talking with an esteemed donor or board member. It's been more than 10 years since I left the Aquarium. I've moved on in my career, now assuming a leadership role at a major university in Boston. But I never forgot the kindness that Thom showed me as a young woman just starting out in her career. While he is known for his many professional achievements, I remember Thom as a kind, magnanimous leader. A gentle soul who took the time to make sure that a young person felt appreciated and valued. I only wish I had a chance to express my appreciation to him. But I'll do so now through his family.

Wishing the Stork family love and peace during this time.

Warmly, 

Siobhán O'Shaughnessy

Donna, 
I have the fondest memories of Thom and can't help but smile when I think of him.  Always joking, always caring, always exuberant.  My heart aches for you and your family.  He will be loved and missed my so many.

Donna, my heart goes out to you and your family.  I am at loss of words to convey the right words to say at this time.   Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.  Hugs

Incredibly sorry to hear of the passing of Thom, I never personally met him but have heard nothing but good things about him. What he did for all of the animals, and staff for the Aquarium was beyond incredible! My thoughts are with you guys during this time.

Donna and the entire Stork family I am so sorry for your loss Thom was a great leader at the Aquarium who is truly missed I will miss seeing all of the wonderful pictures of the grandkids. just remember to hold on to God love and remember that our heavenly Father is always with you while you are going through your darkest hour and he will never leave you may God Bless and keep each of you is my prayer

Donna, my heart is with you and your family.  Thom was loved by so many, and I feel blessed to have known him.  He was one of the great ones, and he will be missed.

Donna, we will miss Thom's humor and warm heart that always puts you at ease.  He was a tourism leader whose knowledge and advice will be missed by many in Florida.  You and your family are in our prayers.

I am so sorry for your loss, Donna and family. I feel very fortunate to have known him and worked with him. My thoughts are with you as I hope you find peace.

Donna, our deepest condolences to you and all the family. As you know and have seen Thom was loved by so many and he had such a positive impact on everyone's lives. I have so many memories of Thom however the ones that he shared about his time with you and the grandkids are the ones that stand out for me. May all of these memories bring a smile during this difficult time. God Bless!

Donna, my heart is with you and your family. Thom was a kind and gentle soul, a master marketer and influential Florida tourism leader on so many fronts. He would light up every room he entered and always commanded and captivated every audience he addressed. I joined VISIT FLORIDA in '97, met Thom my second week on the job and from that day forward Thom was only one phone call away. Your love as a couple and bond as a family has brightened and inspired the lives of thousands. May every memory bring you strength as you walk this journey. Love and peace always!

Dear Donna;

Becky and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family.  I am at a complete loss as to how to describe the sorrow I feel for you, your children, THE GRANDCHILDREN, his many, many friends and professional colleagues.

Thom was one in 5 million.  He was an amazing and loyal friend and confidant, he was a brilliant marketer who simultaneously, was also an amazing administrator.   I am so proud  to have been his friend.

His accomplishments and LEGACY will live on!  
God Bless You and Your Family!

Tom

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss, Donna, Chris, and family.  My thoughts are with all of you.  Thom was such an important part of my life I would have done anything for him.  I remember working with the Busch team to get him something special and I managed to pull together part of the Titanic exhibit, showing Chris around the Dali Museum when he was a kid, the Florida Attractions Association conferences.  Thom was my tourism hero, my marketing mentor, an incredible father and husband and of course grandfather.  My thoughts are with you and I will always be available to you to do whatever I can.  My heart is with you.

Donna my heart goes out to all of you. I loved him dearly as I do all of you even after all these years. I will never forget Thom calling me on Christmas to let me know your dad had passed. GOD only knows how much fun they are having together. I have so many family pictures, please let me know if you would like any of them. shellygiddings@yahoo.com. Your bud girl, Michaelle Giddings.

Donna, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.  You made such a delightful and very-much-in-love couple.  And you both have done so much for our community!  I know you will miss Thom as will so many of us who had the privilege of knowing him.  My deepest condolences.

Donna - I'm so very sorry for your loss.  Thom was my first boss at BGT and those marketing memories will stay with me forever.  What a true professional and a great person and leader.  He has accomplished so much and his legacy will live on forever in our hearts.  You & your family are all in my thoughts.  Sending hugs...CC

Dear Chris, 
We send our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved father. 
May your memories provide you comfort and your loved ones surround you with their strength.  
With our heartfelt sympathy, 
Rick and Kristen Barker

Donna, Thom was not only a true professional but a joy to be around. You and the family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

My sincere condolences to you and your family.  Thom was a charismatic and fearless leader who made a lasting impression on everyone he met.   I began working at Busch Gardens in 1975 and I remember his energy, enthusiasm and love for life.  He was a great man and a devoted husband and father.  I am so sorry for your loss.

Donna & Family, I share in the sadness of so many who Thom touched in 
his life a great mentor, colleague, boss and friend to so many across the world and especially me. A wonderful person that made us all better just because we had a chance to share a part of his life. My prayers are with you 
all.

Dannette Lynch

All of us at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) are saddened by the loss of Thom. He was a big supporter of LLS and we were all honored to work with him over the years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Thom's family and all his friends.  He will be missed.
The LLS Staff

Donna,  It is with heavy heart I add to the many condolences you will receive.  Thom will always be with us, in our hearts and our memories!  I for one will always remember how proud he was to be a grandpa and the love for his family!  How he loved to share with me the photos and videos and then laugh with me, as we hugged.  My thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family.  Linda Snyder

Donna, I am so very saddened .  My thoughts  and prayers are with you and your  lovely  family.  I will always hold onto the fact of what a great leader and friend Thom was and remains as such in all the hearts of his Anheuser Busch and Florida Aquarium families.     Let us never forget all the good times at the parks.   Sending  love and my deepest sympathy.

So sorry to learn of Thom's passing.  Thom was a good man who will not be forgotten.  May God bless you and your family.

Donna, I am so sorry to learn about Thom! He was the greatest boss and mentor a person could have. You and the family remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Donna:

I was saddened to learn of Thom's loss. 

He was a great friend, a wonderful marketing professional, and made all who worked with him look better. His positive attitude and his great sense of humor were qualities that endeared him to all of us who knew him. 

Thom was characterized by his kindness and generosity. He was exceedingly considerate person who asked nothing more than the opportunity to succeedand he succeeded in all that he did. As a marketer, Thom did it all. And he did it well, as evidenced his successes at Busch Gardens, Sea World, and the Florida Aquarium. In addition, he was a loving father to his son and he was so happy being married to you. 

Some of the best times I ever enjoyed working were with Thom, while at Busch Gardens. I will always smile when I think of the Go-for-O campaign that Thom, Rick Hensler, and I concocted, which (to our surprise) wound up attracting national attention during the early days of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

We will always have great memories of Thom.

Donna and family, I think of Thom with such happiness in my heart ---from years ago, until just recently bumping into you and he...what a wonderful man. As I live where you lived, I'll be sure and say a little prayer each time I see the house. Kurt and I will be thinking of you and your entire extended beautiful family.

Donna,
It is with great sadness that I offer you and your children my condolences.  Thom was a great man and a joy to know.  May your memories of all your love and happiness remain in your heart during this time of sadness.  Love and prayers.

Lisa Kirk Tadlock

Donna, Brenda and I cannot find the words to express how saddened we are on the news of Thom's passing. Thanks to your introduction in 1980 on our return to Tampa, we have had the privaledge of sharing family, work, dreams and challenges in a friendship that had no bounds. Our prayers are with your family and our thoughts will forever reflect on our great friend, mentor and "buddy!"  May God bless the Stork family and comfort all in this very difficult time.

Was saddened to learn of Thom's passing. He was a great friend and a true professional and no doubt just as good a husband and father.  If recruited him from Tallifero & Associates to BG-Tampa and was never disappointed.

Donna,
You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts.  You're all amazing people and we're blessed to know you.

Donna, I am shocked and extremely saddened at the passing of my great friend Thom. Our journeys together on those sailing adventures and the laughter we shared will be a part of me forever. I can't fully express my feeling about your loss. Thom was almost like a brother to me and we experienced many wonderful and memorable times through the years.
Tom Wuckovich (Valrico)

Dear Donna, I learned today of Thom's passing.  Our hearts are breaking for you and your family.  And you are in our prayers.  Thom is a mentor whose remarkable kindness and patience many years ago have served me to this day.  Love and sympathies, David, Susan and John Mason Conrod.

Donna, Pam & I always enjoyed crossing paths with you and Thom and catching up on the families. We've never seen Thom not smiling and will always remember him that way. We were fortunate to have known him. God bless you and your family.

Donna, please accept our condolences on the passing of Thom. It was an honor to have known such a great man and we will truly miss him. You are in our thoughts. Doug and Sharon

Donna, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. We all will miss Thom, a great friend and mentor to everyone he knew. The love between the two of you was so evident and a joy to watch. We will continue to remember it as an example of what is good in life.

There are no words to express the sadness so many people feel. The world lost a great man, husband and father. He will be missed. Prayers for the family.

Donna, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time.  Thom was such an amazing man and meant so much to so many people.  His leadership was beyond compare along with his friendship, loyalty, thoughtfulness and kindness!  We will fondly remember and never forget his bright smiling face, giant hugs and his wonderful good bye phrase "I love ya man"!  .... and we Love YOU!
Mary & Joe

May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time Psalms 29:11

OBITUARY

Thomas "Thom" F Stork

6 April, 1948 – 2 January, 2017

Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Carrollwood

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