Thomas (Tom) Charles Margraff-Captain-Retired-USAF-Vietnam War Era Veteran

Thomas (Tom) Charles Margraff of St Petersburg, Florida died peacefully at his home on Saturday January 28, 2023 following an extended illness.

Tom was born in Cleveland Ohio to the late Frank and Stefania (Stanko) Margraff on August 29, 1941. After graduating high school l, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force.   Tom earned Bachelors’ and Master’s Degrees in Electrical Engineering while serving his country.  Throughout his military career Tom enjoyed playing golf and was an active member of his Divisions’ baseball teams. Tom was appointed Second Lieutenant by the President of the United States on March 27, 1973.  Throughout his service, Tom was stationed at many Air Force Bases, including Thule, Greenland, the most northern of all Air Force Bases.  After serving more than 21 years, Tom was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain on March 31, 1983.

Once retired, Tom became an avid duplicate bridge player achieving the ranks of Ruby Life Master, Club Director, and Teacher.  Tom met his wife, Wendy Ripley, at the St Petersburg Duplicate Bridge Club, and they married on April 5, 2009.  Paul Ewing, a fellow retired Air Force Officer, acted as Tom’s Best Man, and Wendy’s daughter, Gina Newson, stood as maid of Honor. In 2012 Tom and Wendy moved into their permanent home at the beautiful Isla Key development in St Petersburg. Tom loved to walk the grounds (often with little dog, Riko) and participated in the beautification of the area through his personal gardening efforts and his position on the Board of Directors of the Association. Tom continued to enjoy golf, playing frequently at Mc Dill Air Force Base and on a regular basis with his fellow group of “Isla Key” golfers at various Florida courses.  Often Tom and Wendy would tack on a golf game after participating in bridge tournaments throughout the United States.

One of eight children, Tom is survived by his brother Frank, and his sisters Elsie Wisnieski, Eleanor Warwzynski, Delores Savetski, and Wilma Sasnaskas. Tom was predeceased by brother Robert Margraff, and sister Francis Mitchell. Tom is also survived by his wife, Wendy, and daughter Gina Newson.

Captain Thomas C. Margraff retired from the United States Air Force on May 30, 1982 after service for 21 years, 7 month and 13 days of service.  He was a former enlisted airman for 4 of those years.

Full military honors for Captain Thomas C. Margraff  will be conducted by the United States Air Force and American Legion Post 273 at 1:00 pm, Friday, March 3, 2023 at the Bay Pines National Cemetery, 1000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, Florida  33744.