Thomas "Tom" Lawrence Skubal

Tom was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 10, 1950. He was the third child of Mary and Leonard Skubal. The family soon relocated to Falls Church, Virginia, where Tom spent his childhood engaging in legendary hijinks much to the exasperation of his parents. He always liked to say that at least he kept everyone entertained and that life would have been boring without him (this was true).

After graduating from George Mason High School in 1968 he held a variety of jobs, including as a U.S. Postal Worker, before landing a position at the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, which he always reflected on as the foundation of the rest of his professional life. He married Tanya Bodden (Seldomridge) in 1973 (div. 1983) and after relocating to Spring, Texas in 1978 they welcomed their daughter Megan in 1979. In 1981 the family relocated to Boca Raton, Florida where Tom would reside for the remainder of his life.

Tom left the government and rose within the ranks at Sunrise Savings and Loan to the position of Vice President. He had many high-profile clients but developed a special friendship with country singer Tammy Wynette, introducing his daughter to some very glamorous experiences in her early childhood.

After his time at Sunrise, Tom went into commercial real estate. He oversaw the development and leasing of several shopping centers in South Florida, including the Marketplace at Hillsboro in Coconut Creek, where he eventually went on to own and operate several businesses, including the 7 to 7 Diner, Mizerak’s Pool and Billiards, and the one most dear to his heart, Get Smart Preschool, which he owned and operated for 31 years prior to its sale in 2021. The preschool was a great source of joy for him and he wore many hats as “Mr. Tom” including that of a colorful school bus driver.

In his retirement Tom developed the small residential subdivision of Turkey Hollow in Boone, North Carolina, where he built a second home and enjoyed time in the mountains. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and was a devoted grandfather to his two grandchildren, Richie and Emily.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Mary Skubal and sisters Nancy Nichols and Susan Imbres.

Tom is survived by his daughter Megan (Rich) Carlson, grandchildren Richard Thomas and Emily Lee Carlson, sister Marilyn Deluca, and brothers Fred (Deanna) Skubal and John (Carol) Skubal.

A special thank you goes to Thomas Long and Kathleen Sabatino, who were both incredible friends that felt more like family, and who went above and beyond in demonstrating friendship and support to him as he endured his health challenges. Also a special thank you to Dr. Jose Ordoñez and Dr. Angelica Ramirez, both of Boca Raton, who undoubtedly extended his life and gave him more time with his family.

Per his wishes, Tom was cremated and informal memorial services will take place in both South Florida and Virginia at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation be made to the American Heart Association in Tom’s memory.

Condolences for the family may be shared at www.kraeerdeerfieldbeach.com.