Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Brookfield, Illinois. Tom graduated from Riverside-Brookfield High School in 1949 and from Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954, Korea, 3rd Infantry Division Band where he was in a trio entertaining front line troops as well as soldiers from Belgium and Netherlands.
Tom married Catalina Blanco in 1964 , they then moved to El Cajon, California. Tom was a member of 1812 Elks, and was the original piano player with their big band. Tom also played piano with the Shriners Dance Band. He was also a member of VFW, El Cajon , and The society of the 3rd Infantry Division.
Tom retired from the County of San Diego where he was a fraud investigator. He enjoyed many years of beach time in San Felipe, Mexico, and loved working in the garden. Tom was an avid Charger and Padres Fan.
