Thomas R. May of Tarpon Springs, Florida (formerly of Oyster Bay and Baldwin, New York), passed away on March 5, 2024. Joan, his loving wife of 63 years, preceded him in death, as well as his mother, father and brother, John (Jack) Keigharn and his wife, Elizabeth. He is survived by his daughter Kelly May-Gore and son-in-law Leonard Gore of Palm Harbor, Florida, and his beloved granddogs Daisy, Holly and Skye.

Thomas Richard was born on July 1, 1936, to Muriel and Richard May and grew up in Elmhurst, New York. He shared a close bond with his parents and his Aunt June, his father’s sister, who greatly influenced many of his interests in life. After graduating from high school, Tom joined the United States Army serving as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne. Upon an honorable discharge, he returned home and met the love of his life, Joan, through his good friend, her older brother, Joseph.

Tom and Joan married in February 1960. Tom developed a great rapport with her mother and stepfather, Matilda and Charles, as well as her six siblings. Tom and Joan welcomed their only child, Kelly Ann, in March 1965. Throughout his life, Tom lovingly referred to Joan and Kelly, the center of his world, as “my favorite girls.”

Tom worked for the Manhattan Savings Bank in New York City, retiring as an officer with the title of Senior Vice President-Controller. He started his career as a teller, graduated from a savings bank program at Brown University and served as a member and president of the New York State Auditors and Controllers Forum. One of his daughter’s fondest memories is going to work with him over the years; in fact, she became a manager in her career because she wanted to be just like Dad!

Tom loved sports—a good bowler, he participated in leagues for many years, bowling a perfect game; and an avid golfer, played weekly with his father and later on with his son-in-law. He was a die-hard fan of the New York Mets, Jets and Islanders; though, he followed all local teams. He shared his passion for sports, especially baseball, with his daughter, a Yankees fan, and they maintained a fun rivalry. However, she never let him forget that her Yankees defeated his Mets in the 2000 Subway Series. Because of the defeat and resulting lost bet, Tom begrudgingly took Joan, also a Yankees fan, and Kelly to dinner at their favorite restaurant.

Tom relished solving crossword puzzles, the more difficult, the better; and reading books, especially military and espionage stories. He enjoyed listening to music—his appreciation started as a child while singing with his church choir, performing solos highlighting his vocal talent. Tom passed his singing voice and love of music onto his daughter; the two spent many nights listening to his favorite selections. When they lived in New York, Tom and Joan fancied visiting Mystic, Connecticut, for some good food, shopping and playing the slot machines at the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun Casinos. Though, both preferred the days when slot machines took coins. To celebrate Tom’s 80th birthday, his daughter and son-in-law took them to Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida, which became another favorite destination.

An animal lover, Tom had many fur babies in his life from his childhood cat Chubby to his namesake dog Tommy Junior (named by his wife and daughter) to his beloved granddogs, who he and Joan used to babysit frequently. During his nightly phone calls with his daughter he always asked how are “the girls,” his granddogs. As such, his family suggests that donations in Tom’s memory be made to Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Tom will forever be in the hearts of his family, who find comfort knowing he and Joan are reunited in heaven. A celebration of Tom’s life, with military honors, was held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, on April 16, 2024.