Thomas Samuel Catanzaro was born November 16, 1956 to Thomas and Sylvia, near Chicago, Illinois. He was one of 5 children and lived his early years in Covina, California. Tom was a friend first, to many, and maintained lifelong friendships that he cherished deeply. He was also a consummate sales professional for over 40 years in the industrial valve industry. His business contacts often became family friends and golfing buddies; the golf course being the place where he flourished both socially and with his putter.

Tom was quick to spin a tale, and while not consistently rooted solidly in fact, they were always funny. Quick-witted and often times sharp-tongued, Tom made sure that his audience knew that his loving anecdotes came from his heart and that he cared deeply for those around him. His vast knowledge and incredible memory allowed him to be part of any conversation, sometimes lending toward him taking them over, a bit. Even in those times, Tom was still interested in what you were up to, how you were doing, and if he could be helpful in any way.

His most prized accomplishment was his family. His son, Thomas Jr. was born in 1984, and when he married Kathy in 1990, he also gained a step-son (Geoff). His love for the three of them was only matched when 'his boys' married Trish (Geoff) and Jennifer (Tom), and gave him 7 grandchildren, to adore (Grace, Jubilee, Emily, Kamilah, Charity, Kharis, and Judah). He lived a full life, in his short 66 years. He was always faithful to God, loved sports, politics, his friends and family, and will be missed immensely.