Obituary of Thomas M. Sleek

Tom Sleek passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19 after a long and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's. Tom is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marlene; sisters Susan Sleek and Shannon Salas, (Ron); son Tim (Ellen) grandchildren Kelsey, Steven and Rachel; son Todd (Kelly) and grandchildren Travis, Tanner and Nicole Singleton; and daughter Tricia Floren (John) and granddaughters Gillian and Ashlee; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Joanne and Bob Auerbach ; nephew Dr. Scott Auerbach (Michelle) great nephews Niko and Evan; niece Denise(Manuel) Martinez and great nephews Thiago and Manuel; and niece Sandra Barrington(Tyler) and great niece Jolee. Tom was a native of Sunnyvale, born to Thomas Sleek, Sr. and Dorothy Newman. After several moves within the United States and Hawaii during his father's naval career, the family settled back in Sunnyvale. He graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory, '52, and attended Santa Clara University before joining the Navy. Upon his return to Sunnyvale he graduated from San Jose City College and completed his education at San Jose State. Tom began a long career in the food processing and packaging business at FMC, San Jose, as a Sales Engineer in their International Machinery Division and then the Western Representative for their Packaging Machinery Division. Tom went on to represent several other companies in portion packaging and food processing and retired in 2001 as Western Sales Manager for Filtration Engineering, a Minneapolis- based firm. Tom's greatest love was being surrounded by family and friends. He so enjoyed having everyone at the cabin in Tahoe. Skiing with "the kids" and showing them "how" was his delight. He watched children, grandchildren and his nephew and nieces at many a baseball game, soccer game, football games, and cheered on players as well as cheerleaders. Christmas Eve was the most special time for the family, and he will always be remembered as Mr. Fancy Pants in his plaid slacks. Tom was talented and creative sharing his woodworking skills with family and friends and ready to take on any do-it-yourself project. He was a golfer and was a staunch and dedicated 49er and Giants fan. Tom was quick to give and once retired, joined in a program to feed the homeless in San Jose. He volunteered for Our Daily Bread in Sunnyvale, and was actively involved in his cherished church home, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Saratoga. Much gratitude goes to his special caregivers at El Sereno Home in Los Altos who lovingly cared for him for over three years. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday afternoon, February 8, 2015 at 2:00 pm at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 13601 Saratoga Ave. Saratoga, 95070 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Tom to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church or Lewy Body Dementia Association, www.lbda.org




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