Tom married Mimi Wilhelmi in 1983 and they had two sons and one daughter. Following their divorce, Tom married Jeri Griffin in 2002. Tom’s favorite times were their family vacations, ski trips, and weekends on the boat at the lakes. And while his children embraced his spirit for adventure, Tom also taught them how to live life, to take personal responsibility, to be kind, encouraging them to set goals and follow through. And, along the way Tom as a parent became their friend. On his romantic side, for the past 24 years, Tom loved and was in love with Jeri. And she with him. She was his best friend. He taught her how to enjoy life every day. They simply fit together and theirs was a love story of which songs are written.
Tom is survived by devoted wife, Jeri; loving children, Matthew (Danielle), Elena (Scott), Tom and stepchildren, Michaeline Heydari (Nate), Brittany Shochat (Orin) and Wyatt Mayfield; beloved mother, Barbara; siblings, Fred III (Carol), Annie Emich Black (Bruce Mattherly), Daniel (Mary Jane), Mary Emich and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Jr.
A private family service will be held at Corpus Cristi Church presided by long-time family friend Rev. Richard Kingsley on Monday, August 31, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. The family invites memorial donations in Tom’s name to St. Anne’s Chapel, 3820 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., Tucson, AZ 85750. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY AND CEMETERY.
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