Thomas (Tom) A. Smith |
| Posted 2014-07-31 by Sharla |
| Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley, Arizona Thomas A Smith October 13, 1928 - July 12, 2014 Thomas Smith (Tom) passed away peacefully at La Canada Care Center, Tucson on July 12, 2014 at the age of 85. He was born on October 13, 1928 in White Mills, Pennsylvania, the oldest of four sons to Lawrence and Bertha Smith. He was predeceased by his parents and one brother, Robert Smith of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Never married, he is survived by two brothers: John Smith of Oro Valley, Arizona and Michael Smith of Califon, New Jersey. He is also survived by eight nephews, two nieces and many great-nephews and great-nieces. Family was very important to him and he loved family gatherings and reunions. Tom did not have the easiest of lives. An accident in his youth left him with a learning disability that would have curtailed most people from leading a productive life. Yet, Tom played the poor cards he was dealt in an admirable way. He always had a job and, when he lost one, he would go right out and get another without any assistance. He had a lot of unusual jobs throughout his life. Early on he was a pin-boy at a bowling alley and a mayonnaise taster for Best Foods in Bayonne, NJ. He worked hard as a dishwasher for several restaurants and his favorite (and most recent) job was as a service clerk for Grand Union Supermarket in Toms River, NJ. He loved to work and while employed there, for at least 10 years, he was awarded employee of the month several times. With no transportation other than his feet and an adult three wheel bike, he would go the two miles to work early every work day, even during blizzards. He was as reliable as any employee could be and it was that attribute that saved his life—more on that follows. Tom was always very proud that he served in the Marine Corps Reserve for two years and obtained an honorable discharge. He enjoyed many hobbies: stamp, pipe, rock collecting and citizen-band radio where he had the handle “Tadpole.” Church was also very important to him. As a communicant of St. Maxmillian Kolbe Parish in Toms River, New Jersey and St. Thomas the Apostle RC Parish in Tucson, he rarely missed Sunday church. In addition to several towns in Pennsylvania, he lived in Bayonne, Fanwood and Toms River (Berkeley) New Jersey. In 2000, while living alone in Toms River he failed to show up for work one day. The manager of the Grand Union knew Tom never missed work so decided to dispatch one of his staff to check up on him. They found him at home badly disoriented. The rescue squad was called and he was hospitalized with renal failure for several weeks. Upon discharge, and after rehab, he moved to Arizona (February 2001) to be near his brother John and his family as Tom could no longer work and needed assistance. He lived independently and in assisted living facilities for about 10 years. But in 2010 his health deteriorated further and he moved to LaCanada Care Center where he always remained cheerful, even though his world had shrunk considerably. Tom will be missed for his bright blue eyes, a cheerful smile and his sincere appreciation for family and all who have helped him along the way. He was, and is, an inspiration for all those who face obstacles that might make a lesser person quit. He never quit no matter how hard things were for him. God is with you Tom. Rest in peace. |
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