His battle with serious medical issues in the recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite all of it, Tom stayed strong until the end.
Tom graduated from Paul Harding High School in 1977 and graduated from Ivy Tech in 1985 with an Associate Degree in Automotive.
Tom was a hard worker at Magnavox/Raytheon as an Assembly/Manufacturing Engineer then Lincoln Food Service/Manitowac as a sheet metal worker and finally at CPI Card Group as a facility maintenance with his only son.
Tom married the love of his life, Pam on October 12, 1985 and brought the joy of their lives, his name sake, Thomas Rife Jr. to the world October 13, 1986.
Tom was survived by his wife, Pam and Son, Thom "TJ." He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.
His love of family, cars, racing and rock and roll and beloved Rottweilers was known by all.
Tom was a laid back loving guy that would help anyone who needed him, especially if it was mechanical.
He was a t-shirt (if you're lucky) and shorts kind of guy, even in the winter.
He was joined by his beloved sister, Joan on the same day, to complete their journey to Heaven together.
Funeral service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 with calling one hour prior.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 on Friday, June 25, 2021 also at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, 111 E. Ludwig Road, Suite 105, Fort Wayne, IN 46825.
