Thomas M. Newman, MD, known to family and long-time friends as “Tommy,” passed away on January 29, 2021, at the age of 73. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Millard and Lillian Newman. Tom had a kindness and infectious spirit that was beloved by all. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his two children Stewart Newman (Paula), and Elizabeth Newman, his two grandchildren Parker Newman and Iris Newman, his brother Bill Newman (Susan), and his sister Ginny Haelsig (Ken), all of whom loved him so unconditionally they didn’t even mind that he would tell the same jokes repeatedly — as he would laugh just as hard the 100th time telling it as he did the first. In 1954, Tom moved with his family from Cleveland to Tampa for the family business: J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Tom graduated from one of the first classes at Berkeley Preparatory School, received his undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University and his M.D. at Vanderbilt Medical School. Post graduate studies in Neurology were completed at University of Miami. He was Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Following a few years of practice in Houston, Texas Tom returned to his hometown, Tampa, in 1984 and joined Jack Maniscalco, MD at Neurological Specialties. At the time of his death, Tom was managing partner of Neurological Specialties and was actively practicing with his neurological partner, Brody Henkel, MD.
An avid sports fan with musical gifts, his great loves in life -- aside from his family – were playing the trombone in the Tampa Community Band, entertaining family and friends on the piano, playing golf (especially with his longtime foursome), the Cleveland Indians, the Buccaneers, spending time with family and friends at his second home in Lake Las Vegas and dog Haley.
Tom will be buried at Myrtle Hill following a private graveside service for the family. He will be honored in an outdoor Celebration of Life on February 4, 2021 at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, 10th Tee from 6-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to his favorite charitable organization, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N. Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL 33607.
