Thomas L. Funk

Thomas “Tommy” L. Funk, 71, of Saint Petersburg, Florida, passed away on July 12, 2016. Tommy was born on September 7, 1944 in Chicago,  Illinois, a son of the late Peter J. and Ella Klimbert Funk.

Tommy served as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. At the time of his discharge, Sgt. Funk was entitled to wear the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, 2 overseas Bars, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and his designation as a marksman with the M14 rifle on his uniform.

After his service to our country, Tommy became a member of Plumber and Pipe Fitters Union Local 111.  He worked serving fellow veterans until his retirement at Bay Pines  Veterans Administration in St. Petersburg. He retired in 2015. He was a member of the 5^th Avenue Baptist Church of Saint Petersburg. He enjoyed coaching Little League. He loved and collected Lionel trains, banks,  and clocks. Tommy loved the holidays, especially Christmas, and decorated his house so the entire neighborhood could enjoy the season as much as he did! Tommy always loved to cook the prime rib at Christmas that his family enjoyed and looked forward to each year. He was an avid Tampa Bay Lightning fan and could often be found in the seat at all their home games; his love for hockey was shared by his entire family. He also loved baseball and cheered for the Tampa Bay Rays. Tommy loved Walt Disney World and everything Mickey, and with his family made countless trips to Disney World. The highlight of the year was the annual Christmas weekend trip for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party! He also enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas with Rosie and taking cruises, his favorite one was with his wife Rosie and his brother Bill and his wife Jean to Alaska!

His family remembers him as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was the patriarch of the family, who would always take the time to listen, and to give wise words of advice, or share a funny joke or story. Tommy would gently teach, coach and motivate his children and grandchildren. With his easy smile and hearty laugh, Tommy found the simple joys in life, he was an inspiration to his family and friends and he will be deeply missed.

Besides his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his two brothers, Lawrence “Larry” and William “Bill” Funk and sister-in-law Jean Funk and his in-laws Charles and Violet Mitchell.

Survivors includes the love of his life, his loving wife of 25 years; Rose Ann “Rosie” Funk of Saint Petersburg. 2 sons; Vernon W Funk and his wife, Carolyn, of Homosassa. Peter A Funk and his wife, Whitney, of Saint Petersburg, a step-son, Scott Basso and his fiancé ,Samantha Loori ,of Saint Petersburg, a step-daughter, Marianne Abbott and her fiancé, James Cooklock, of Saint Petersburg, son-in-law, Rush Abbott of St. Petersburg,  7 granddaughters: Jessica Funk of Homosassa, Caitlin Abbott of Orlando,  Austen Abbott, Jeanna Abbott,  and Bailey Abbott of Saint Petersburg, Olivia Eldert of Bradenton and Sariah Loori of Saint Petersburg, and one great- grandson, Blake Schuette, of Saint Petersburg; three sisters-in-law :Mary Whitley and her husband, John ,of Vandalia Ohio,  Madeleine Funk of Michigan,  and Barbara Funk of Illinois; and  numerous nephews and nieces in the Chicago area.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior to the service at 5^th Avenue Baptist Church,4901 5^th Avenue North,Saint Petersburg, Florida. Burial with full military rites will follow at 2:00 P.M. at Bay Pines National Cemetery. After the service , and before the burial, the church will host a reception and all are invited.

Attire: Tommy was a casual man who loved light and bright colors. The family asks that no suits of any kind be worn and no black and white attire …. Please view Tommy’s funeral as a casual celebration rather than a funeral service. Red was Tommy’s favorite color and is welcomed and encouraged. 

Memorial donations may be made in Tommy’s name to 5th Avenue Baptist Church.