To the Songster Family,

I was saddened by news of the passing of Mr. Songster. I met Mr. Songster years ago and he was always kind and friendly to me. He was a regular and longtime customer of Westover Service Center where I worked on and repaired his vehicles. One of his most favorite vehicles was the 1975 Cadillac that he owned. Truly he was one of our best customers. May the peace of God be with all who loved and cherished him.

James (Westover Service Center)

Deepest condolences to the Songster family! I had the opposite to interact with Tom prior to, during and after the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in New Haven, just a friendly and terrific individual! His many contributions to Special Olympics will always be cherished! Continued prayers of comfort to his entire family!

Robert L. Brown

I appreciate all of Tom’s many accomplishments and his good counsel and support as a Special Olympics colleague. However, when I think of Tom, I think of Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
As part of the foundation of Special Olympics, Tom had a wonderfully unique working relationship with Mrs. Shriver. I can see Tom pacing the sidelines with Mrs. Shriver, setting up Camp Shriver in her backyard, and emerging from her office with a long to do list. Theirs was a trusted, working friendship rooted in Special Olympics’ Mission and their shared devotion to the Special Olympics athlete.
I find solace and peace knowing Mrs.Shriver welcomed Tom at heaven’s gates to again pace the sidelines of a Special Olympics race.  Blessings.

Tom helped me navigate the rocky road of SOI in the mid-80's as a new staff member.  I wasn't on the sports team - I worked with John Chromy and Monty Castevens - but the headquarters were small then and we all worked together.  I learned so much from Tom about doing what was right for the athletes and the mission of Special Olympics.  Tom was welcoming, smart, helpful and fun. He had a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile that made working with him a joy! My sincere sympathies to his family.  May he rest in peace.

Tom found me teaching adapted physical education in Northern Virginia, and he hired me in 1986 to work part time at SOI to help create a program for athletes with severe disabilities. He was my mentor, and gave me the great idea of going to the University of Maryland to get my PHD while working at SOI part time. That suggestion led me to a lifetime of work of promoting physical activity for children and adults with disabilities.  I don't know if I would have followed this path if I had never met Tom!

Dear Dr. Tom Songster,
You were more than a boss; you were my guiding light, my partner in the journey through Special Olympics, and a true soul mate. From the very first day we crossed paths, I sensed a connection that transcended professional boundaries, and it was clear that our shared background in Physical Education was just the beginning of an incredible partnership.
Your unwavering belief in my professional approach to training Special Olympics athletes and dedication to providing worldwide training materials for teachers and coaches inspired me. You never doubted, and your trust fueled my passion for the cause.
Two remarkable stories stand out, etching the essence of the Special Olympics in my heart. The 1981 International Special Olympics Games at LSU, where Eunice Kennedy Shriver herself commended our commitment to safety and professionalism, mirrored the values you embodied. It became apparent why you were Mrs. Shriver's right-hand man and why I cherished every moment working alongside you.
The second story, in South Carolina, encapsulates the indomitable spirit of the Special Olympics. Mrs. Shriver's determination, despite bruised forearms from a volleyball skills contest, showcased the unyielding dedication we all shared. Your involvement and George Smith revealed the familial bond we formed in this incredible journey.
Our travels overseas for training clinics were moments of pure joy, thanks to the inclusive atmosphere you created. Welcoming sports specialists, especially women, epitomized the spirit of playing by the rules, not modifying for high-functioning athletes—a principle that resonated with Mrs. Shriver's vision.
Even after I departed from the Special Olympics in 1995, your extraordinary place in my heart never faded. Your support during my tenure as the Director of Sports and Corporate Marketing, securing partnerships like Adidas for uniforms and shoes, reflected your belief in providing the best for our athletes.
As we bid farewell,

I am so sorry to hear this sad news and pray for strength and healing for all that are affected by Tom’s loss.  He was simply and profoundly my Dad’s (Dean White) best friend in the world.  They met in high school and enjoyed a friendship that spanned decades, continents, and college football seasons!  No matter where they were or what was happening in their lives, they always found time to catch up, keep in touch, and support each other.  I had the pleasure of meeting Tom on several occasions and always had so much fun being around him.  I think and hope he knew how much his friendship meant to my Dad.  He will be sorely missed by many.  A great man indeed.  
With Much Sorrow,
Christina Dominguez

Camp Tall Pines Special Olympics training in Maine. Early 90’s. Dr. Tom hanging with several characters from US Programs & SOI. Tom had a way to make anyone at the Accredited Program or grass-roots level feel like a VIP member of the movement. He is missed.

Through all of Tom's accomplishments he always remembered his rural NE heritage, and visited his hometown frequently.
Tom and Catherine took pride in the home Tom's Grandfather built one hundred plus year's ago. Tom's devotion to Special Olympics has been an inspiration to many.
Metaphorically speaking, "Tom's roots were deep and his rows were straight."

Tom Songster was one of a kind!  Brilliant, funny, and always the life of any party.  He cared so much about the sustainable growth of the global Special Olympics movement.  He was an invaluable mentor to me and so many others.  I have been with him at times where he had me laughing  so hard it hurt!! He will be so missed.

What a dedicated delightful blessing Tom was to this world.  Special Olympics would not have grown as quickly , nor been as respected without Tom Songster.  He set the bar for excellence in leadership during the critical Special Olympics growth years of the 70’s and early 80’s.  And his passion for Special Olympics never diminished over his 40 plus years of service.

Tom brought so much laughter to this world.  There are hundreds of Tom Songster stories to bring joy for so many.  I met Tom in 1974 and to this day still laugh out loud when I think of his craziness.  I’m sure the number of practical jokes has already increased tremendously since Tom arrived.  

My condolences to the family!!!  

Thank you Tom!!

We at Special Olympics Indiana owe so much to Dr. Songster.  Thank you, sir!  You will always be remembered.  

Jeff Mohler
President & CEO
Special Olympics Indiana

Very sad to hear that my friend, boss, and mentor has passed. He can rest knowing how much he helped create and spearhead  programs for people with  Intellectual Disabilities. Special Olympics and millions of lives have been enriched by Tom’s great work.
He leaves very large footprints!!!
My sincere condolences to all that knew and loved Tom.

Tom was a legend in the Global Movement of Special Olympics. I retired after working 40 yrs for both Special Olympics Massachusetts and Connecticut and he was one of my mentors and and all star supporter. I will always have wonderful memories of this great man who helped forge one of the great non profits of all time. Beau Doherty, former President and CEO of Special Olympics Connecticut.

OBITUARY

Thomas Bernard Songster

November 22, 1940 – December 22, 2023

Murphy Funeral Homes

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