Born in Dallas, Texas, Thomas graduated from Jesuit College Preparatory School in 1980 . After graduation, he worked with his dad and brothers managing and building the family business, Sassin & Sons Aluminum Company.
In his spare time, Thomas built a race car and began racing at the local tracks in North Texas. In 1990, Thomas was awarded the NASCAR Hot Stock Rookie of the Year at the North Texas Speedway. Thomas also became a police lieutenant as a reserve police officer with Wilmer, Texas, Police Department, and received certification by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, along with a HAZMAT certification. As a person, Thomas was kind, had the patience of Job, the will of a bear and a heart of gold. Thomas marched to the beat of his own drum, without delay, validation or permission. Uninhibited by fear of failure, disapproval, or rejections, he never shirked a task or left a project uncompleted. Thomas had a quick wit, an enormous sense of humor, a twinkle in his eye, a huge compassionate heart and a smile that was truly contagious. His love of restoring classic automobiles and trucks reflected his ingenuity and attention to detail, which were second to none.
Thomas was a wonderful brother and uncle, a great person and a true friend. His absence is without measure. He will truly be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Thomas is survived by his siblings, Teresa Ann Long of Plano, Texas, Buster Sassin of Carrollton, Texas, Monica Ann Tripplet of Houston, Texas, John Anthony Sassin of Lancaster, Texas, Elizabeth Ann Pittman of New Waverly, Texas, and Phyllis Ann Sassin of Carrollton, Texas. Thomas is also survived by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
