Memories of Tom

Uncle Tom taking me for a ride in the Corvette

Uncle Tom and Aunt Pat at my (Michael’s) baptism.

Uncle atom will be dearly missed and I will always have many memories to remember of him. Like, when he let me drive his Corvette before I even had my license. Al’s the time when he was very disappointed in my In-N-Out order! No matter the occasion he always brought good stories and laughs! He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

I have a short story I’d like to tell about what kind of man Tom was. As a very young man, at one of the classic Cefalu get-togethers, a bunch of us kids were playing by the pool, getting eaten alive by the horseflies. I was maybe 5 years old and I foolishly decided I would play underneath the liferaft in the water and hadn’t come up for air in a while. All of a sudden, like a kamikaze plane crashing, Tom Cefalu jumps in the water - with all of his clothes on, mind you - and pulls me to safety. I looked at him and I said “Tom - you’re all wet” - I tried to downplay it, but even 5 year old me was impressed by the sheer speed. Tom didn’t hesitate for one moment to jump in that pool right away and save my life. Before it was even a question - he was in that water. He saw danger and jumped toward it. My hero. It’s a small little anecdote I had to share, but I think of it while thinking about Tom. I think every single person who knew him - knew he was a class-act. We miss you.

I have a short story I’d like to tell about what kind of man Tom was. As a very young man, at one of the classic Cefalu get-togethers, a bunch of us kids were playing by the pool, getting eaten alive by the horseflies. I was maybe 5 years old and I foolishly decided I would play underneath the liferaft in the water and hadn’t come up for air in a while. All of a sudden, like a kamikaze plane crashing, Tom Cefalu jumps in the water - with all of his clothes on, mind you - and pulls me to safety. I looked at him and I said “Tom - you’re all wet” - I tried to downplay it, but even 5 year old me was impressed by the sheer speed. Tom didn’t hesitate for one moment to jump in that pool right away and save my life. Before it was even a question - he was in that water. He saw danger and jumped toward it. My hero. It’s a small little anecdote I had to share, but I think of it while thinking about Tom. I think every single person who knew him - knew he was a class-act. We miss you.

Tom and Pat visited us in North Carolina and one of my favorite pictures. Miss him so much, however he will be with me always.💔

Tom and Pat a stunning couple at Joey and Alex’s wedding ♥️

Just a few years ago…

Easter 2023

Grandpa, Robert & Luca showering Loui

Baby shower for Loui Shafer

Tom challenging Luca with a little 1 on 1

Baby shower for Loui Shafer

Fun friends dinner

Tom and Larry celebrated a family wedding. Larry is Pat’s father and they passed away on the same date 11 years apart. Now they are both looking out for us from Heaven.

Vacation in italy. Tasting lemoncello

Parents 80th St Helena

2007 Tom was always a magnet for kiddos. They loved climbing over him. Austin and Logan Holton in Phoenix.

2012 at a Chinese restaurant. Ron, Jon, Dave, Tom, Hank, Gary, Ray

Ray, Tom, Hank, Jon Wu

St Helena. The old school crew.

My parents anniversary.

Tom and Pat along with Pat’s mother, Delores. This was taken when they dated and Tom is wearing his all time favorite suit. He was heartbroken when he donated it. Great photo they look like celebrities!

Just some of Tom's friends. 2023

Fun in St Helena

Romeo wedding

Last dinner at Marin Joe's before they close

On vacation 2019 I think

Good time's whit old school friends.

I will always remember Tom's smile, he had a great one and wore it often. Tom was the kindest neighbor we could ask for and beyond being neighbors he supported by coming to watch Charlotte's volleyball games and Olivia's plays. It's so special for them to see that they are known and cared about and Tom (and of course Pat!) did that often for them over the years we've been next door neighbors.

Sara’s and Mark’s Wedding

Tom and Mike.

Tom and Louis way back.

Tom and Mike.

Photos throughout the years with friends and families.

Papa posing with his grandkids!

April 2008 Pat and Tom came to Wisconsin for Easter huge snowstorm over 12” of snow Joey stranded in airport Tom decided to try using the snowblower

Giddy Up

Red Carpet at Oscar viewing party in Scottsdale, AZ. Tom looks so handsome in his Tux!