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FUNERAL HOME

Wood Funeral Home & Crematory - Idaho Falls

273 North Ridge Avenue

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Thomas Speziale Obituary

Thomas Speziale, 62, of Idaho Falls, passed away Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010, at his home.

He was born July 2, 1948, in Dunkirk, N.Y., to Charles C. Speziale and Anita Phyllis Bennice Speziale. He grew up and attended schools in the area, graduating from Dunkirk High School. He continued his education at the State University of New York at Fredonia, where he received a bachelor's degree. He then earned a master's degree from Virginia Tech and later a Ph.D. from the University of Rochester.

On July 11, 1970, he married Margaret Mary Gebs in Jamestown, New York. At EG&G and INEL, he was a science specialist and prior to that, an astronomy instructor at the University of Arizona. While living in Ann Arbor, Mich., he was a scientist of Laser Fusion at KMS Fusion. In 1970, he was among the youngest scientists to speak at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society. At the time of his death, he was teaching at Eastern Idaho Technical College.

Tom was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He enjoyed photography, astronomy, playing chess and billiards, reading, traveling, hiking and teaching. He also loved keeping up with current affairs and science news and had a very in-depth knowledge of politics, government and the U.S. Constitution. Tom always looked for the good in people.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Speziale of Idaho Falls; son, Andrew Speziale of Pocatello, Idaho; sisters, Janet Reading of Dunkirk, N.Y., and Charlotte (Roy) Smith of Phoenix, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Gerald Speziale.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave. in Idaho Falls.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by Post Register on Dec. 18, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Speziale

16 Entries

Anne Myers-Maxwell

January 11, 2011

I did not know Tom, but from what I hear he was a stand up guy. I would like to know if his wife, the former Margaret Mary Gebs was from Copiague, NY? If so I extend my sincere condolences.

Angel

January 4, 2011

One more Edmunds guy. I was really saddened to hear about Tom's passing. He was a great "host" and was always very helpful. I will miss his posts.

Angel (verdugo)

Michael Speziale

December 31, 2010

I learned of Tom's passing today. A very sad thing indeed. Tom was my cousin and for a short time in college at Fredonia, a good freind. He taught me how to shoot pool and have fun again. Your father, husband, brother, freind was a good guy then and from the posts on this site, a good guy in the end. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Love Michael

Andy

December 29, 2010

As another Edmunds member who will miss Tom’s skill and style as a Moderator, plus his Math and Science knowledge, let me express my condolences to his family.
‘Tom always looked for the good in people.’, is the way I will remember him.

Steve LaSala

December 28, 2010

I'm another Edmunds guy.

I'll miss Tom terribly. He had a wonderful set of skills that made him one of the finest host you could ask for. An amazing scientific background but coupled with a very common touch. Almost the definition of a teacher but we tended to have too good a time to appreciate that he was indeed teaching us as we went along. Sometimes he'd pop into a topic when I was the only one around essentially just to let me know he was there - some funny comment related to something I'd posted.

I will miss him terribly.

Steve (fezo)

Keith (Imid) W.

December 27, 2010

I'm yet another friend of Tidester's from Edmunds. He was a great host who could gently nudge the discussion the way it needed to go. Also he was a major contributor to those same discussions with his knowledge of the cars and the science and math behind them. My deepest sympathy at your loss of a great person from your family; Edmunds has lost one also.

Kirstie

December 27, 2010

I co-hosted Smart Shopper with Tom for years, and couldn't have asked for a better partner. He managed to make concepts of math & physics understandable to me, which is a feat (I'm a language person), and injected wit & humor into our forums. I will certainly miss Tom, both professionally and personally.

B.T.(roadburner)

December 26, 2010

I too knew Tom through the Edmunds forums. He was a great guy- I wish I had had the chance to meet him in person.
Godspeed, my friend.

Sandy G.

December 26, 2010

I also knew Tidester through the Edmunds forums and he will be missed by so many. Even though I didn't personally know him, I felt like I did!

May he rest in peace.

Jim (Jipster)

December 26, 2010

As a frequent Edmunds poster, I had the opportunity to have many pleasant exchanges with Tom, aka the Tidester. He was such a knowledgeable person,I often wondered if there was anything he didn't know. He always delivered his knowledge in the most humble of ways. He was a wonderful host whose quiet, calm and humorous manner kept the more adventurous posters in check. Regretfully, I had thought about sending him an email wishing him a "merry" Christmas and did not. So "merry" Christmas Tom, your ole buddy Jipster (Jips) will miss you.

December 26, 2010

I knew Tidester through the Edmonds forums and was shocked to hear of his passing. He was a calming force to those who got out of line (did that once to me too) and knew how to get the troops "back on topic" when we strayed too far. He will be sorely missed by me and all of his poster buddies at the Edmunds House.

Rest in peace.

jmonroe

Richard Monroe

December 26, 2010

I was a regular poster on Edmunds where Tom served as our Host. His brillance, humor, and undersatanding of the human spirit never ceased to amaze me. Though we never met in person, he was my friend. May peace and comfort come to his family and close friends. I am truly saddened by your loss.

Steve B (driver100)

December 26, 2010

I only know Tom from being a poster on Edmunds. He always had insightful comments and a nice way of keeping us in line. Although I only know Tom from posting on Edmunds, I feel as though I have lost a friend.

Steve R

December 25, 2010

Tidester was a good friend and co-worker at Edmunds. His wit and calming demeanor will be sorely missed. So sorry for your loss, Margaret and Andy. Steve R.

KC Jackson

December 24, 2010

I was also a colleague of Tom's at Edmunds.com and thoroughly enjoyed working with him - his ability to turn any math or numbers comment into a lightning-fast joke was uncanny. My condolences to all who knew him.

Karen S.

December 24, 2010

I had the pleasure of working with Tom for many years. His attention to detail, willingness to help the wayward new person, and above all...his humor will be greatly missed in the Edmunds.com Forums. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

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