Thomas “Tom” Patrick Giacomelli of Denair, CA passed away on Tuesday, September 17th, 2013 while on vacation in Idaho Falls, ID with his wife Joan Giacomelli, at the age of 76 years young. Tom was born in Vineland, NJ(1954) on October 15th, 1936 to Dominic Joseph Giacomelli and Margaret Bisson Giacomelli. Tom grew up on the family’s flower farms in Vineland, NJ and Foley, AL. Tom received his education from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Vineland, NJ (1953), as a Sgt. in The United States Marine Corps (1953-1957) and at LA Pierce College (1959-1961). Tom was an expert marksman with the M1 and a published author in electronics literature. His engineering career included his time at Spectrolab, where he has patented work for steam engines, solar technology, and was on the original engineering team for the search light used in helicopters. Later in his career he also worked for Electromask Systems, owned and operated Sonora Clockworks and later worked for Nikon in their Education Department until his retirement. Tom was an avid mariner and also enjoyed building and flying model airplanes, handcrafting furniture, and constructing flint-lock rifles. In recent years Tom enjoyed “Cooking for Jesus” at First United Methodist Church of Turlock, fishing, RV & camping excursions, intentionally mispronouncing words, and swimming with his Labradors: Giovanni & Sophia. Tom is survived by his wife, Joan Giacomelli, children: Gina Giacomelli, Thomas Jr. Giacomelli and Jon Fichera, siblings: Veronica Singer and Charles Giacomelli, grandchildren: Jonathan Giacomelli, Thomas Garrison, Michael Angelillo Jessica Giacomelli, Lucas Giacomelli, Hannah Markovich, Uriel Giacomelli, and Ariel Giacomelli, great-grandchildren: Sommer Garrison, Aiden Warner and Damien Garrison; former spouse, Melissa Giacomelli and many nieces & nephews.Tom was predeceased by his sister, Mary Agnes Carroll, former spouse: Darlene Giacomelli, and step-daughter, Lisa Michael.Tom’s memorial services will be held at 1:00pm. Thursday, September 26, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church of Turlock In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to: First United Methodist Church of Turlock 1660 Arbor Way Turlock, CA 95380 Thank you to people, groups, or institutions “Honor, Courage, Commitment: Semper Fidelis”
Oct. 15, 1936 Sept. 17, 2013
Thomas Tom Giacomelli