Thomas James Bartholic Sr, 76, of Indian Harbour Beach, FL, passed away on Saturday, August 3 with his family by his side.

Tom was born to the late Leroy Thomas and Mary Bartholic in July 1948 in Connecticut. After graduating from Plainfield High School, he served in the US Army in Korea during the Vietnam War and achieved the rank of E5. After serving, he married his sweetheart, Dawne Lachowecki, and they settled in Central Village, CT and Canterbury, CT before relocating to Florida in 1990. They celebrated 53 years of marriage in January.

Tom worked as a truck driver and an owner operator with his own truck. He also worked as a Transportation Manager for a building truss company which he retired from. Tom wanted to stay active, so he started his own home repair business called Easy Does It Home Repair.

He was an active member of St Mark's Methodist Church, and he and Dawne studied to become Stephen Ministers where they counseled people in need. Tom was also a Big Brother. He loved helping people and demonstrated that by being an avid blood donor, volunteering his time, and donating to his favorite charities.

Tom loved driving and going on road trips. He visited 48 states during his over the road driving and on road trips with Dawne. He was a very proud Veteran, and you could see that by the shirts he wore every day. He was also known for his humor and making everyone around him laugh. Tom believed in working hard for what he wanted and taught his children this by leading by example. He was a dedicated family man who always supported his loved ones, including his dogs. Tom was an amazing provider and caretaker for Dawne over the years, especially when she fell ill. You could see the love he had for her when he looked at her, even up until the very end.

Tom is survived by his wife Dawne, daughter Rebecca of West Palm Beach, FL, son Thomas Jr of Indian Harbour Beach, FL, his beloved dog Shane, 4 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, brother John and sister Gail.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to one of his favorite charities, the Alzheimer's Association.