Thomas John Minarcin of Chenango Bridge, was born on January 8, 1958, and was preceded in death by his parents Francis Minarcin and Dorothy Ann Minarcin. Tom is survived by his high school sweetheart Annette, son Ryan (Andrew), daughter Raevin (Luke), cherished granddaughters Lilyanna and Luella, four surviving siblings; Maxine, James (Kathy), Joan (John), and Anne (Bryce), as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and an ever-widening circle of friends. Tom joined his Heavenly Father on September 11, 2024 as a result of heart surgery complications.
Tom lived a joyfully rich and full life. He approached all pursuits with the precision, dedication, and care of an engineer, and all people with a remarkable kindness of heart and spirit. He took great pride in all things outside. From his manicured lawn, to “Poppy’s Berry Patch”, to his lush bountiful garden. In his youth, he was an outstanding basketball player and in later years continued to play recreationally with the “young kids” (35–40 year-olds). Tom enjoyed tennis and played a mean game of pickleball. He had a fulfilling career as an engineer working for NASA, Singer Link, Universal, NLX, and lastly Rockwell Collins, where many work relationships turned to friendships. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was always generous with his time providing assistance whenever needed.
Tom was devoted to his family. He spent many hours traveling in the car visiting family and friends in his home town of Ford City, PA. One expression of his love for family was through his creations in the kitchen whether it be the Christmas cookies his siblings envied and devoured, his singular “Poppy’s Chicken” and “Mac and Cheese,” his breakfast spreads large enough to feed a small army, or his seafood feasts. He knew every word to every song and loved to sing. Tom was one of a kind - an amazing man who made every life he touched better!
Tom and his best friend Annette (lovingly referred to as Netta) just celebrated 45 years of blissful marriage. Tom loved Netta with great passion. He was a romantic at heart and showered her with not only love, but the most fabulous Christmas rituals that involved scavenger hunts, riddles, and 12 days of Christmas gifts that she looked forward to every year. Throughout their marriage and even more so in retirement, Tom and Netta truly leaned in to living life together. They had a quest for live music, festivals, good food, and road trips. He reluctantly filled her passion for antiquing and thrifting! He and Annette built a cabin in the woods that showcased his master carpentry and gardening skills. They enjoyed several years as snowbirds at their shared condo in St. Pete Beach, Florida, and recently checked a bucket list item of seeing the west coast that included Seattle and a second National Park. His loving partner will continue to pursue their numerous adventures and activities in his memory.
His family and friends will gather at a later date to celebrate his life. If you want to honor Tom’s life please consider a donation to Meals on Wheels (Meals on Wheels P.O. 1766 Binghamton, NY 13902 Please add for Chenango Bridge in the notes) or a donation to your local blood bank.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIOCOMPARTA
v.1.12.1