Thomas P. Sidlauskas
Longtime Mattituck resident Thomas “Tom” P. Sidlauskas, 70, passed away Sept. 27, 2018, at Hope Hospice House in Bonita Springs, Fla., surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.He was born in Newark, N.J., Dec. 4, 1947, to John and Anna (Kandrotas) Sidlauskas.
Raised in Bloomfield, N.J., he graduated from Trenton State College in New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and loved playing football. He married Deborah “Debbie” Timpone March 4, 1972.
After a 20-year career in construction, Tom traded in his hard hat, work boots, and Long Island-New Jersey commute to follow his passion for sports and physical fitness. He received his Master of Arts degree in special education at Stony Brook University and became a health and physical education teacher, teaching first at Laurel School and then for BOCES. His kindness and enthusiasm were an inspiration to his students and co-workers alike. His optimism was truly contagious.
Tom also shared his passion with his family. As a father of five, he always went above and beyond in everything he did: from repairing and making improvements in the home to coaching wrestling, soccer, baseball, basketball and softball to being a great problem-solver! He was selfless and giving and always stayed positive despite any challenge he faced.
Tom also had a passion for the outdoors. He loved hiking, camping with his family, traveling around the country and spending days on the beach. His lifelong dream was to retire to Florida. Last year he and Debbie sold their home in Mattituck and moved to Fort Myers Beach, Fla., making Tom’s dream a reality. He enjoyed long walks on the beach, boating, fishing and basking in the Florida sunshine. He and Debbie enjoyed their freedom, welcoming visitors and traveling up and down the East Coast visiting their children and grandchildren.
Predeceased by his parents, Tom is survived by his wife, Deborah; his children, Jessica (Allan Macomber), Thomas J., Laura (John Barrow), Daniel and Angela (George Ksenics III); his grandchildren, Emily Fliss, Reese and Wesley Barrow; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck, N.Y.
Special thanks to the staff at Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice for their compassion and care and for making Tom and his family feel so loved and cared for during such a difficult time. Memorial donations may be made to Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice, 27200 Imperial Parkway, Bonita Springs, FL 34135.
This is a paid notice.
