Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1963
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Jordan Obituary
He was born Jan. 24, 1963, in Burlington, Vermont, to David and Beverly Barker Jordan. He lived his childhood years in the Burlington area before relocating with his family to central Florida. He attended Grace Lutheran School and graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1981.
Tom studied physics and astronomy, earning his bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida and his master's degree from the University of Arizona. He taught physics at the high school level in Florida. From 1994 to 1998, he was a valuable member of the physics faculty at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, Illinois.
At the time of his passing, Tom was project coordinator for QuarkNet, a ground-breaking program for physics educators' professional development. He was with QuarkNet from its beginning in 1998. Tom's contributions to the lives of physics teachers and students of physics around the world are legion. He was a member of the American Association of Physics Teachers and several other professional organizations. More locally, he was very involved with the Northampton Public Schools Action Coalition. He believed deeply in the value of a strong education in both the sciences and the liberal arts to create a foundation for life long learning.
Tom was well-loved by his family, friends and colleagues world-wide. His quick wit and charm, his ready smile, and his kind words for everyone he encountered made him one of the finest examples of how to live with compassion for every creature. He loved being outdoors, taking long hikes with his wife and daughters and dog. Tom had plans to walk the entire length of Vermont's Long Trail in the coming years to create more memories with his family and close friends, and to remember his own beloved trips on the Long Trail with his father.
He read voraciously, and took great care and interest in supporting and celebrating wherever his daughters' popular culture interests turned. Tom had fine taste in craft beer and Boston Red Sox baseball. Springtime always found him searching for the first beautiful daffodils of the season. He found great joy and deep love in his marriage with Joanna and his richly-deserved stability and satisfaction in making their new home in Northampton with their daughters.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife Joanna (Messer) Jordan; daughters Kelley, Catherine, Claire, Carolyn and Krista; brothers Peter Jordan and Steven Pasch; sister Susan Reynolds; sister-in-law Heather Pasch; brother-in-law Bradley Reynolds; and seven nieces and nephews. Tom's family extends beyond blood bonds. He is especially missed by Spencer, Eileen, Evan, Coraline and Broderick Pasero; Marjorie and William Bardeen; Ed, Kelly, Ben and Hannah Moyer; Ed, Lynnette, Alyssa and Katelyn Klemm; Michelle, Russell, Simon, Tennyson and Frances SharpSwain; Robert, Lydia and Robert Petersen, Jr., and countless others, too numerous to name.
He is preceded in death by his parents, David Jordan and Beverly Pasch.
A celebration of life Service will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton. Calling hours will precede the service Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Details for a memorial service in Illinois, later this summer are pending.
A memorial fund is being established by friends of the family for the educational needs of the children. Please contact Czelusniak Funeral Home to leave messages to receive further information in coming days.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Jordan
Sponsored by anonymous.
Stephanie Marshall
March 28, 2020
Tom Was a remarkable and innovative educator and teacher and a quintessential learner ; always curious, always questioning and always with a glint in his eye ..he brought light to whomever he touched; AS founding president of the Illinois mathematics and science Academy I remember his time with us with deep gratitude. Blessings to his family , always, Stephanie Pace Marshall
Abe Phelps
April 10, 2015
Tom was a wonderful teacher and a generous man. He was in my classroom 2 weeks ago in Easthampton, and then helped to lead us through our masterclass at UMass. I was so lucky to have met him and worked with him--Quarknet changed how I teach physics.
Jack Czajkowski
April 7, 2015
Tom and I first met about a year ago when we scored the Massachusetts Physics Teacher Test together at Pearson in Hadley. He always managed to take and break down the most simple concept into a way we all could understand, and his skill as a teacher was evident from the first day we met.
Tom was quick to share news that we would find relevant and interesting, and anyone who worked with Tom walked away a little bit smarter and more informed.
While our time together was brief, the love he had for his wife and daughters shined through brilliantly. Tom spoke about them with affection and admiration, and it was clear that family was the center of his universe.
Godspeed, Tom.
Jack
Cindy Lewis
April 7, 2015
Dear Joanna, I am so sorry for your loss. In reading the obit. I learned a lot about Tom and what a special person he was. May the Lord comfort you and all his family and friends. Sincerely Cindy Lewis (Rose's Mom)
April 7, 2015
The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives. The choices we make in life determine the kinds of legacies we leave behind. Tom's legacy will forever live in the hearts of his family, friends and the scientific community. May God bring you peace in your time of sorrow. A Colleague
Jeremy
April 7, 2015
Tom was a friend, a mentor and an inspiration to me. I will honor him the best way I know how: by trying to help carry on what he started.
Joey Huston
April 6, 2015
I met Tom through Quarknet. I don't think that I ever saw him when he didn't have a smile on his face. I remember calling him up in 2005 and playing him a square dance song about Albert Einstein. It took him a long time to stop laughing.
Sherry Bayless (Short)
April 6, 2015
Thinking of the family during this time. Tom went to Winter Haven High School with me and was such a warm kind person loved by many. Prayers to his family.
April 6, 2015
Dear Joanna
I was overwhelmed with sorrow when I learned of your loss- hearing about your love story with Tom remains a very vivid and happy memory.
I will keep you in my thought in coming months and wish you peace
Amy De Groff (LibLime)
Jody Grenert
April 5, 2015
I grew up with Tom in Winter Haven, and we attended school together through grade school, high school and college.
While news of his passing brings me great sorrow, I'm choosing to remember the joys we shared growing up together in a small town, and the brotherhood we forged while attending the University of Florida.
I'll always remember Tom's easy smile, his constant willingness to help others, and the joyous mischief we managed to get ourselves into as kids and young adults.
He will be missed, and my heartfelt condolences go out to all his family and friends.
April 4, 2015
So sorry to learn of Tom's passing. Only knew him for a short time, but he left an unforgetable mark on our lives. A great man of reason, compassion, and inspiration.
Kurt & Marilyn Kasules
John Thompson
April 4, 2015
From my days with Tom at IMSA to our last project on the Florida State Sunshine Standards - he was always thoughtful, funny, and caring! He was the total professional and yet so personable! He had so much more to share with his family and his profession - I feel a real emptiness with this loss!
Gregg Sinner
April 4, 2015
Tom endues in my mind as good friend and a very bright star in the IMSA constellation...
Holly Holland
April 4, 2015
Tom, a former high school classmate...your humor and heart was amazing. You will be missed and remembered.
Jinyuan Wu
April 4, 2015
So sad to hear this.
I will remember him.
Stephanie Marshall
April 3, 2015
Joanna- I hold you and your daughters in my heart as you begin a journey you did not choose. Tom was a vibrant dedicated and passionate educator.I loved our conversations and cherish our time together,helping to shape our remarkable institution called IMSA .
Tim Brennan
April 3, 2015
Such a good, good man. Kind, gentle, warm and welcoming. Though we didn't have a lot of time together, I am deeply saddened at his passing.
Stephanie Jutt
April 3, 2015
Tom was an inspiration to all who knew him, and Joanna was a brave partner who, with Tom, overcame tremendous obstacles. His beautiful daughters and the love of Joanna are the most fitting tributes to his character and the legacy he leaves. Travel well among the stars, as one other friend has said. And love and support to the ones left behind.
Debbie Gomez
April 3, 2015
Tom will be miss from everyone I am so sorry to hear about him
Matt Bellis
April 3, 2015
Tom was an inspiration to me in his work to educate others about the wonders of Nature. The science outreach community has lost an important advocate. Tom, you will be sorely missed.
Andreas Kronfeld
April 3, 2015
Tom, your energy, enthusiasm, and good humor made the world a better place. We'll miss you.
Nathan Cornwell
April 3, 2015
I did not know Tom personally, but the incredible opportunities he provided through the Quarknet program impacted my life immensely. My condolences to his family, he will be greatly missed.
Andreas Kronfeld
April 3, 2015
Tom, your energy, enthusiasm, and good humor made the world a better place.
B J
April 3, 2015
Always with a smile, a quick wit and a careful, considered comment. A sad, untimely loss for his family, friends and work colleagues.
Peter Shanahan
April 3, 2015
So sorry to learn of Tom's passing, and the unimaginable loss to his family and the community. He sparked the curiosity and a love of investigation in countless students and teachers. My deepest condolences to all his loved ones. May you have comfort and peace.
Leo Bellantoni
April 3, 2015
Tom was a perfect guy - always a pleasure to meet or be around, knowledgable and generous.
deborah keisch
April 3, 2015
Tom, you leave such an enormous hole in our community. You will be so, so missed.
A colleague
April 3, 2015
Peace
April 3, 2015
Your love for Joanna and your daughters was beautifully expressed every time you looked at them.
Jen Reed
April 3, 2015
I have had the pleasure of working with Tom as members of northampton public schools action coalition. I remember Tom hosting one of our meetings... You made mulled wine and a cookie platter, Tom. You were so warm and welcoming! You will be missed in our action group. I thank you for your hard work, commitment and passion. I send so much love to you family, especially your wife and daughters, and to your family of friends who will miss you deeply.
Kris Whelan
April 3, 2015
You were a good friend, a gifted teacher and a dedicated colleague. You were taken way too soon from a world that still needs your quiet resolve and generous spirit. I learned so much from you. You will be missed. God bless you and your family.
IMSA Friend
April 2, 2015
Dear Joanna,
We were not really friends at IMSA, but I think we were friendly enough. Your friends are my friends, though, and by extension through them and through IMSA, I still think of you as part of an extended, far-flung family. I am genuinely sorry for what you are experiencing now, and the challenges you will feel in your life as you move forward without the person you loved so much. And I also wish you much peace and strength to meet the rest of your life with the grace you show with Tom's passing. Know that many people, close to you and Tom or not, carry a small part of what you are feeling now. I hope you will use that, as often and for as long as you need, to buoy you when you need it.
Cathy Veal
April 2, 2015
You made the lives of so many others better. Travel well among the stars, good man. Love, comfort and peace to your family, friends and colleagues whose hearts are broken now.
Joanna Jordan
April 2, 2015
I love you. Always. With my whole heart.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Jordan's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Jordan
Apr
7
Apr
7
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved 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
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 moreWays to honor Thomas Jordan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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
