Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Tom, you were, and still are, the best neighbor anyone could ever ask for. You were always waiting for us by the fence to start a conversation, or continue our conversation from a previous day. The Barkers, our pups, always let us know when you were there, and loved saying hello to you. We will miss every part of you; from your smile, your opinions, your compassion, and your love. Your love of our country always reminded us how blessed we are to live in this great nation. You are the definition of a true patriot.
You always gave more than you took, and always took time to listen and give advice when I ( or we) needed it. I will miss the car rides, giving me directions, cooking your favorite stuffed shells, you treating me like a daughter, and most importantly, your love of our Lord and love and dedication to your beautiful wife, Eileen. Tony misses your talks already. Jack learned so much about the world from you, as you already started teaching him politics.
Oh, and no matter what, you watched our house for us whenever we went anywhere. Like a hawk! You watched every car, recording the color of it in your mind. You vetted any person thoroughly that entered and/ or left, and took getting our mail so seriously that when it was missing one day, you interrogated the dog sitter of where the mail was. All that info was saved for the full report for when we arrived home. You would even test our phone number every time to be sure you could reach us. Who will watch out for us now?
You said we would all be together in heaven one day, and we will. Until then, Tom, our second dad, our beloved neighbor, you will live in our hearts. I still can’t believe you aren’t here.
We love you…. Always.
Love, Angela,Tony, Jack and the Bell Barkers