Thomas Empric's Obituary
Thomas Walter Empric, 75, passed away on April 15, 2024 in Wesley Chapel, FL, succumbing to his battle with leukemia.
The son of Walter and Betty Ann Empric, he was born February 5, 1949, in Buffalo, NY. He graduated from Hutchinson Central (Hutch Tech) High School before attending the University of Detroit. There, he studied engineering and met the love of his life, Dana Ann Empric (Gineitis). Throughout his 40+ year career, Tom’s work took their family to many destinations - projects in Ohio, Michigan, California, New Jersey, and Florida were built under Tom’s direction, including schools, hospitals, and high-rise buildings. In retirement, too, Tom continued his work, serving as an expert witness in depositions and court cases. Throughout his life, Tom maintained that a passion for one’s work was essential to being fulfilled.
The best of Tom, though, could be seen in his interactions with those around him.
This included a tight-knit core family of five: wife, Dana, son, Brian (spouse, Dawn), daughter, Jennifer (spouse, Geoffrey Gordon), and son, Christopher, as well as their grandchildren (Madeleine, Leanora, Hannah, Drew, Jack, Davis, Jackson, Grant, Grace, CJ, and his namesake, Thomas). These family members affectionately called him “Hootie” or “big bear,” and shared movie lines, putt-putt tournaments, Buffalo Bills’ fandom, and hot tub soaks with their beloved grandfather. They were there for his big wins, and he reveled in supporting their athletic events, academic award ceremonies, and graduations. Hootie was the family’s biggest, loudest, and proudest cheerleader.
This also included a rowdy group of life-long friends from U of D, who would gather together throughout their lives to celebrate milestones (baptisms, weddings), share vacations (from the sands of Myrtle Beach to the rivers of Europe), and commiserate during Titans losses. Known to them as “Walt,” Tom was known for his hilarious anecdotes, infectious laugh, and love of whiskey and vermouth Manhattans.
Tom was preceded to heaven by his parents, as well as his brother, John.
During his treatment, Tom received excellent care from the following organizations, and the family kindly requests that donations be made in Tom’s name to:
The Hope Lodge
1552 Shoup Ct.
Decatur, GA 30033
The Leukemia/Lymphoma Society National Office
3 International Drive, Ste. 200
Rye Brook, NY 10573
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held July 6, 2024, at 1200 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Tampa, FL, followed by a reception at 1600 at Estancia at Wiregrass, 4000 Estancia Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL.
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