Daily Sentinel
http://www.romesentinel.com
Thomas E. Gifford, 70, passed away suddenly on September 26, 2020, at his home in Elkhart, IN.
He was born on March 5, 1950 in Rome to the late Floyd C. and Dorothy (Eddy) Gifford.
On May 12, 1979, he married Mary A. Kozak, who died on December 6, 2016.
Tom graduated from Rome Catholic High School in 1968 and was a gifted three-sport athlete playing baseball, football, and basketball. He attended college at Holy Cross on a baseball scholarship where he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1972. He worked as a salesman for Elixir Industries, Atlantis Plastics, and later went on to retire from Superior Plastic Products in Holland, PA.
Tom was a passionate competitor. He enjoyed playing sports, shooting pool, playing darts, ping pong, cards, and bags. He loved watching sports and he was an avid New York Yankees and New York Giants fan. His pride and joy was attending his children's sporting events. He would attend every single game and was dedicated to showing his children unwavering support. Above all else, his fierce love for his family is what he will be known for. He was a loving father and husband.
Tom had many friends who enjoyed his company and had recently reconnected with many of them through Facebook. He was always up for a good time and his escapades with his nephew Chuck Lanigan and John "Young Jack" Hitchings ? to name but a few ? approach the legendary. With a smile on his face, he enjoyed living and had a kind and generous soul.
Thomas is survived by his beloved daughter, Amanda (James) Noland of Elkhart; a son, Thomas (Jamie) Gifford of Lakewood, CA; a son Dylan (Andrea) Gifford, of Clinton; four grandchildren, Tommy Noland of Elkhart, Gemma Lou Gifford of Lakewood, Wiley and Kass Gifford of Clinton; a brother James (Paul Stern) Gifford, of Utica, NY; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Barbara Lanigan, John E. Gifford, Floyd Richard "Dick" Gifford, and Robert L. Gifford.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on October 5, 2020, at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, Bristol, IN. Interment at St. Peter's Cemetery in Rome will be in the spring at the convenience of the family.
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