Thomas Strickfaden Obituary

Thomas Martin Strickfaden

Thomas "Tom" Martin Strickfaden died peacefully on August 26, 2015 at the age of 93. He leaves behind his daughter, Shelley Rowell and his son, Thomas Martin Strickfaden II. Tom, a longtime resident of Palos Verdes Estates, California was born on September 11, 1921 in Lewiston, ID, to father Lee A. Strickfaden and mother Helen Strickfaden. Tom graduated from Loyola High School and attended UCLA where he studied business administration. In World War II, he served in the United States Army infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 78th Lightning Division. Tom returned to Southern California where he graduated from USC. He met and fell in love with Julia "Joy" Kilcoyne at a Valentine's Day party. After two years of serving during the Korean War, he married Joy on September 20, 1952. Tom created a successful insurance brokerage which he operated until 2013. He and his wife Joy adopted three children, Shelley, Thomas and Tracy, lived in Palos Verdes. Tom is survived by his children, Thomas and Shelley; and two nephews, John Farnan and Joe Farnan. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marylee Farnan; his son, Tracy in 2009; and his wife, Joy in 2012. Visitation is schedule for 7pm, September 1st at Rice Mortuary; a Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10am, September 2nd at St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church in Redondo Beach, and then interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City. All are welcome. Visit www.lafuneral.com to send the family messages and share memories. Sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.

Published by Daily Breeze on Aug. 29, 2015.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Strickfaden

Sponsored by Daily Breeze.

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

I patroned your family's estate sale. It incited joy and filled my soul. I truly believe that through serendipitous events, the universe brought me to the home of Tom & Joy on 2/21/16. The energy and love that I felt in their home has inspired me to begin a new venture in my own journey. Thank you to your family and your parents, I never knew them, but my life has been forever changed by them and the love, antiques and joy that they indelibly left behind. Please know that the essence of their joy and kindness will live on through me. Thank You!
Mary C. Gabriel
[email protected]

Mary Gabriel

March 4, 2016

Mr. Strickfaden was the epitome of kindness and was a true gentleman. I appreciated our chats and how truly wonderful he always was. May you find comfort in the special memories he gave to you and knowing he is finally home.
-Shirley Williams

September 8, 2015

We met once but he was our Insurance agent for than 30yrs. He was not agent he became our friend thru phone conversation. The Caceres fam.

September 1, 2015

So sorry to hear about your dad. It seems like your mom's only been gone a short while; their together again and there's no denying thats got to give him and you some peace.
You're all in our prayers, sorry I couldn't make the services. Hope to see you at a future class reunion.
Dennis & Anne McCormick

September 1, 2015

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Strickfaden's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Strickfaden

Sep

1

Visitation

7:00 p.m.

Lighthouse Memorials & Receptions- Rice Center

5310 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503

Sep

2

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church

Redondo Beach, CA

Funeral services provided by:

Lighthouse Memorials & Receptions- Rice Center

5310 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Strickfaden's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more