Thomas William Garson, 66, passed away peacefully in his home on September 28, 2013.

He was born on March 4, 1947, in Oakland, CA, to Kenneth and Marie (Glassman) Garson. The oldest of three boys, Tom and his brothers relocated to Sheridan, WY, to live with his Aunt Marge and Uncle Pat Jacobson after the loss of their parents when their plane went down on a mercy mission to Mexico. Tom graduated from Sheridan High School in 1965. He attended Sheridan College and later graduated with a degree in Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance from Northrop Institute of Technology in Inglewood, CA.

He married Linda Guagliardo in January, 1969. Tom and Linda and their children Ken and Anne relocated to Linda's hometown of Rockford in 1975. Tom began his career with the City of Rockford, Public Works Water Division as an engineering draftsman. After 32 years of service, Tom retired in 2007 as the Assistant Superintendent of Distribution.

Tom had an adventurous spirit, evidenced by his involvement in drag racing as a youth, his enjoyment of camping and fishing, and his passion for world travel. He was fond of jazz and blues music and liked to golf and play tennis. He enjoyed flying, and volunteered for many years at the annual Oshkosh Fly-In with the Rockford Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He had a gentle and generous nature, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and other charitable organizations, and was involved in the activities and interests of his children and grandchildren. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Kenneth (Sheila); daughter, Anne Gray; grandsons, Nicholas Momaly and Nolan Gray; mother-in-law, Anna Guagliardo; brothers, William (Livia) and John (Jenna); brothers-in-law, James (Kim) Guagliardo and John Guagliardo; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is predeceased by his parents; guardians; and father-in-law, Nicholas Guagliardo.

Special thanks to Rockford Health System VNA Hospice for their compassionate care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church at 11 a.m., Friday, October 4, with Fr. Salvatore Guagliardo officiating. Visitation at 9:30 a.m. preceding the Mass.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family.

Arrangements by Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, Rockford Chapel.

To share a memory or express condolences visit honquestfh.com.

Published by Rockford Register Star - Oct. 2, 2013.