Thomas E. Gifford

ELKHART – Thomas E. Gifford, 70, of Elkhart passed away on Saturday September 26, 2020 at his home.

He was born on March 5, 1950 in Rome, NY to the late Floyd & Dorothy (Eddy) Gifford.

On May 12, 1979 he married Mary A. Kozak, she preceded him in death on December 6, 2016.

Thomas is survived by a daughter; Amanda (James) Noland of Elkhart, a son, Tom (Jamie) Gifford of Lakewood, CA, two grandchildren; Tommy Noland of Elkhart and Gemma Lou Gifford of Lakewood, CA, a brother, James (Paul Stern) Gifford, of Utica, NY and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and 4 siblings: Barbara Lanigan, Richard “Dick” Gifford, Robert Gifford, and Jack Gifford.

Thomas worked as a salesman for Elixir Industries, Atlantis Plastics, and later went on to retire from Superior Plastic Products in Holland, PA.

Thomas graduated from Rome Catholic High School ‘68 (Rome N.Y.) and was a gifted three-sport athlete playing baseball, football, and basketball. He attended college at Holy Cross ‘72 (Worcester M.A.) on a baseball scholarship where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.

Thomas was a passionate competitor. He enjoyed playing sports, shooting pool, playing darts, ping pong, cards, and bags. He loved watching sports and he was an avid New York Yankees and New York Giants fan.  His pride and joy was attending his children’s sporting events. He would attend every single game and was dedicated to showing his children unwavering support. Above all else, his fierce love for his family is what he will be known for. He was a loving father and husband; he had a kind and generous soul.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday October 5, 2020, at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 411 Vistula Street Bristol, IN, visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. with the funeral mass to follow from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Elkhart Cremation Services is entrusted with his care.

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