Friday, April 2, 2021
So many of my richest memories have their origins in my time spent growing up in the family bar. And some of the most memorable, and certainly all those involving witty banter, sarcastic slights and bellied-over laughter, have Tom at the center. What today’s generation refers to as “throwing or dropping shade”, Tom had perfected to an art form decades ago. For Tom was unrivaled in his ability to “humble” those who challenged him in a verbal game of wit. The art of sarcasm and quick wit was a survival mechanism in the bar, and none possessed a greater skill than Tom. The number of hours spent playing poker and pinochle occupied so much of my and Tom’s younger days; with each game less about winning money (not to suggest that gambling ever took place) and more about winning for bragging rights. But of Tom’s many gifts and talents—his intellect, wit and dutifulness as a son topping a long list—his ability to make those around him smile and laugh is what I and so many of our mutual friends loved and will miss most. So let me say simply: thank you, Tom. Thank you for the memories, for all the good times and for all the laughs!
