Thomas Vincent Schifanella

Thomas Vincent Schifanella passed away peacefully on January 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Tom lived a life of integrity, filled with faith, friends, and most importantly family. He was a wonderful father and a devoted husband, married to his beautiful wife Ellen, for over 70 years.

Tom was born on September 14, 1927, in Birmingham, Alabama. He was raised in a loving, first-generation, Italian American family. After graduating high school, Tom briefly attended Auburn University before joining the United States Air Force in 1946. Following his military service and studies at Samford College, he enrolled at the University of Alabama and proudly graduated in 1950. His time at Alabama ignited a lifelong passion for his alma mater; he was an avid fan and was frequently seen sporting Alabama headgear, including a prized “Bear Bryant” style fedora.

After earning his Bachelor of Science degree, Tom started his professional journey with Shell Oil Company as a geologist, but he found his true calling in their real estate division. Though Tom had the intellect of a scientist, he was a people-person through and through, and real estate was a perfect fit. Tom’s first destination with Shell was Jackson, Mississippi, where he met Ellen. He was smitten and courted her diligently. When she finally said yes, they married in Jackson in 1953. After another stop in Birmingham, Shell transferred Tom to Jacksonville in 1963 where he and Ellen decided to put down roots. There, he established his own commercial real estate business in 1965.

Tom was a successful broker and developer, with notable projects including the North Florida Trade Center in Jacksonville and London Hill Bluff, a scenic residential community on the Crooked River in Georgia. He considered London Hill Bluff one of his greatest achievements. At London Hill, Tom built a beautiful log cabin affectionately called "The River House". Located at the oxbow in the river, it has been a cherished retreat and the site of many joyful family gatherings. “PaPa” was never happier than when entertaining his grandchildren with good food and rides on his riding mower.

A man of deep faith, Tom was a member of Saint Matthews Catholic Church for over 60 years, and he actively supported many faith-based charities. He was a member of the stewardship committee for the Diocese of St. Augustine and served on the capital campaign to build Bishop Snyder High School.

Tom had a strong commitment to our community. He was a Rotarian for over 50 years, past president of the Rotary Club of West Jacksonville, and a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the board of Jacksonville University where he helped found a scholarship for first-generation college students. Tom stepped up and served as president of the Jacksonville Ballet Theatre where his daughter, Celia, was an accomplished ballerina. And he was a longtime board member of Goodwill Industries of North Florida, where he acted as their real estate consultant, and was a tireless advocate for their mission.

Tom was a lifelong learner; he loved meeting new people, and he and his wife Ellen were avid travelers. They explored destinations worldwide, including a trip around the world in 1999. At home, Tom, fondly known as "the grill master," enjoyed cooking on his old charcoal grill, and his famous chicken recipe even made its way into the Florida Times Union.

After retiring in his eighties to Fleet Landing in Atlantic Beach, Tom enjoyed an active social life and his daily exercise regime. His family is very grateful for the exceptional and loving care he received in his final years at The Defer Pavilion at Fleet Landing.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Ellen, children Celia Clayton (Dan), Tom (Betsy), and Angela (Alan Wilson), as well as grandchildren Katy Clayton, Carl Schifanella (Becca), Ben Wilson, and Henry Wilson.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Matthews Catholic Church on February 6th at 11:00 am with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom’s name to Goodwill Industries of North Florida.

https://goodwillnorthfl.org/.