Thomas Allen Nartker, 67, lovingly known as “Papa Tom”, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, in Lutz, Florida, with his family by his side.

Tom was preceded in death by hs father Norman, his mother Janice, and his sister Carzetta Nartker. He will be greatly missed by his wife Patty, daughter Jami (Sven), daughter Erica (Travis),  son Matt (Jessica), daughter Jessie, son James; grandchildren: Brenan, Jacob, Angelina, Landon, Kelsey, Savannah, Jaelyn, Jackson, Beckett, Kate and Julio; his brothers Rick, Neal, Harry, Phil, and several other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Tom was born on October 13, 1957 to Norman and Janice Nartker in Fort Campbell Kentucky. He attended Wakefield High School where he shined as a football player and track runner. Tom graduated from Wakefield in 1976. Afterward, he moved to California and he began learning the coring and cutting trade. In 1985, Tom helped established True-Line Coring and Cutting of Tampa. Through his great success in the coring and cutting industry, he made many strong, lasting friendships, and he made everyone who met him feel like family.  Tom married Patty on June 23, 2012, they were like two puzzle pieces that fondly fit together. After retirement, Tom and Patty spent time renovating their lake house, making memories on their RV trips, and enjoying time with family and friends.

Patty once described Tom as a pineapple, tough on the outside but super sweet on the inside.  That about sums him up. He was a pillar of strength, a true example of grit and perseverance in this life.  Most people would say that Tom worked hard, played hard, and lived his life to the absolute fullest.  Tom also had an incredible heart, soft, tender, and endlessly generous.  If anyone ever called on Tom, he was there whole heartedly, always. Family and friends would say that Tom had an unforgettable smile that could light up a room and a laugh that could fill every crevice of it.  He always had a crazy story to tell or a joke up his sleeve. And… if he really didn’t like something he was quick to reel up that “Papa Tom” finger.  Tom’s greatest joy was his family and his life long friends. Most weekends you could find him seeking adventures with his wife Patty, proudly supporting his grandkids in their many endeavors, trying to catch that big bass out back, or making memories with family and friends at his lake house. His lust for life will leave a profound mark on all of us.

Tom Nartker, a beacon of strength, unending generosity, and love, will forever reside in our hearts. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in this life.  Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life, which will be held at the Lake House on February 1, 2025 from 2:00 -7:00 p.m.

Dad, you are forever loved, forever missed, forever in our hearts!