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Tom Veryzer
1953 - 2014
Tom Veryzer
1953 - 2014
Obituary
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BORN
1953
DIED
2014
Tom Veryzer Obituary
The Tigers confirmed Veryzer died this week, as did the Overton Funeral Home in Islip, N.Y. A viewing is scheduled for Thursday at the home.
Veryzer played for the Tigers from 1973-77, then spent four years with Cleveland. He played one season with the New York Mets and two with the Chicago Cubs to finish his career.
He played 996 games and batted .241 for his career. In his final season, he was part of the Chicago team that won the NL East in 1984.
He is survived by his wife, Vivian, and three children, Thomas, William and Jennifer.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
82 Entries
John Joeckel
November 11, 2021
I played against the Veryzer brothers in little league and in High School when my East Islip team played Islip. Both brothers were excellent baseball players. When I lived in Cleveland, I watched Tom play with Detroit against the Indians. I didn't realized he passed until I saw this announcement. Sad.
Michael Mcdonnell
September 13, 2020
Tom refereed my middle school basketball games to stay in shape in winter. He was very nice to me. Thanks Tom. God bless you.
Tom Ford
August 31, 2020
So sorry to hear about this. May God bless Thomas and the entire Veryzer family, (especially Patty).
October 7, 2019
I liked tom veryzer when he played for tigers. I was a young tiger tiger fan. Im now 55. Im sorry for your loss. Greg Benton
How you can show support
Dana Hilthon
February 11, 2019
Would have been 66 today and it still makes me sad.
Steve Colavito
September 20, 2017
I have just found out this heartbreaking news about Tommy and have passed it on to my father. My dad was a coach for the Indians when Tommy played there. He was my all time favorite and it had nothing to do with being a baseball player, he was great human being. I used to hang out around his locker and he treated me like I was his son. You don't forget these things. Vivian and Tommy were among my parents and my favorite people we've met thru baseball. I wish I knew how to get in touch with you , Vivian. God Bless you! Steve Colavito
Don Hudson
March 6, 2017
Very sad, May the Lord rest his soul
Mary Parent
August 28, 2016
Rip Tom ,you were so hot
Mary Parent
August 28, 2016
Cutest baseball player of all time ,Damn
Michelle
July 31, 2015
My sympathies to the family in your loss of Tom. May the God of all comfort (Psalm 83:18) give you the strength to cope during this time of mourning.
July 23, 2015
Sorry to here that Tom has passed
July 20, 2015
May the God of all comfort you
July 11, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dana Hilthon
July 8, 2015
One year today...and it still seems like a shock. Wishing the entire Veryzer family my best.
Dana
June 30, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. We have a reassurance that he is now resting (Ecclesiastes 9:5+6) We will keep all of you in mind and our prayers.
June 29, 2015
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.
June 29, 2015
So very sorry for your loss.
Richard Herrick
June 27, 2015
RIP
June 27, 2015
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends. It's never easy to endure the death of a,loved one. I hope the promise at 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones that we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
June 24, 2015
May God be with the family during this time of sorrow and pain.
June 24, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Please be assured that "God is near to those broken hearted and crushed in spirit." (Psalms .35:18)
judy gann
May 2, 2015
I went to Islip HS and fondly remember this young man and his family. Rest in Peace Fox
James D. Garlit
April 6, 2015
As a lifelong Tigers fan, my deepest sympathy to Tom's widow and children. I recall Tom being drafted in 1971 as well as his summer 1973 MLB debut. As I viewed the opening day Tigers ceremony today, I learned of his passing. He left all too soon.....
John Marshall
April 6, 2015
I was at his first major league @!Tiger stadium. Was sad to hear that he passed
Jeffrey Veryzer
March 31, 2015
I just found out about you're passing and I hope you are in a better place. My condolences to the rest of the family. I was hoping one day I would get to meet you as I have been proud of you my whole life, and have been collecting your cards since I was a kid.
March 31, 2015
I have always wished I would have met Tom. Me and my family have valued his accomplishments since I was a little kid and I collect most of his baseball cards. I just wish I could have met him in real life and known him for the man he was, my condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
March 17, 2015
To the Veryzer family. My name is Kathi Moore, I went to islip high with all the sons. Jim was in my class. Tom and his brothers gave us all so many great moments.
When I moved to California I always tried to catch Tom's games on tv. Brought me a little piece of home. He had such talent and always cool under pressure. I want to think of him as playing shortstop on a bigger stage now.
My heart felt sympathy to john, jerry,Jim and patty and their families may he rest in peace
Dana Hilthon
February 3, 2015
Just found out today...and I started to cry. He was my favorite Tiger of all time. I dressed as him on Halloween one year. Mom put his name and number (7)on the back of the jersey and I even dyed my hair black for the occasion. I remember going at Tiger Stadium one day when the Indians came to town after the Tigers had traded him to Cleveland. He hit a home run and I was on cloud nine!! I really wish I could have met him in person...God Bless him and his family.
Paul Mellini
December 8, 2014
My name is Paul Mellini and I went to Babylon High School where I played football and basketball. We had a great rivalry with IHS, and Tom, better know for baseball invariably was the catalyst for their wins his sophomore and junior years. Thoughts and prayers with the wonderful Veryzer family. If they have sports in heaven, he is playing all of them.
Steve L
December 8, 2014
Vivian, thank you for sharing. I knew Tom as only a baseball player growing up. I always wanted to meet him. Wished he did autograph shows in Detroit. I always wondered what happened to him after he retired. Glad to hear that his family thought so much of him. Sounds like I picked a great role model as a kid. God Bless you and the other Veryzers.
Steve
December 8, 2014
Wow, just found out this today. Tom was my favorite baseball player as a kid. I cried the day the Tigers traded him to Cleveland. I had hoped one day to meet Tom and get his autograph. I am seriously bummed to hear this. Turns out he died a few weeks after my Mom. Bad year. RIP Tom.
November 2, 2014
THANK YOU ALL for your kind ,supportive and loving words They have comforted me and our children. Tom was an amazing man...talented, kind,generous and truly always loving.I am PROUD to say that Tom was my husband for 38 years!(Rare in sports,right?)Not only was he a gifted and ELITE athlete but he was also an ELITE husband and father, which ultimately, is truly most important. I THANK GOD for TOM and thank you ALL for your good thoughts. Vivian Veryzer, Tom's wife!
Clark Hinwood
October 11, 2014
In 1974 at Anaheim stadium while standing alone near the third base line before an Angels/Tigers game Tom Veryzer politely approached me and signed my ticket stub. I was completely awestruck by his kindness toward me. I was 14 years old and it was my very first baseball autograph. I've carried that memory my entire life. My condolence to the Veryzer family.
Frank
September 24, 2014
My sympathies to the Veryzer family. I went to IHS & always followed Tom's career. Thank you for giving me a ball & signing my 1973 Yankee program. I still have it! I knew Tom came from a great family. As a student I would always ask his dad Mr Veryzer about Tom. He would always tell me of Tom's latest accomplishments. But, he would always made sure to mention his other children's accomplishments as well.
Bohdan Fedun
September 14, 2014
Tommy was a down-to-earth kid back in high school. I so vividly remember him passing me in the hallway between classes and always acknowledging me (a youngster by two years) with that quick and silent flick of the chin so typical in those days - and I would throw one his way, too.
I also got to know Tommy better during our involvement in sports. In addition to his athletic magic, I recall him as one of the most humble and unassuming individuals at Islip. You didn't need to hear him speak or even sense his presence to know he was there getting the job done.
Years later, I always felt proud of Tommy's accomplishments whenever hearing a family member or office colleague mention his name when discussing the ball game last night - and equally proud thinking, Yeah, I know who that guy is.
Heart-felt sorrow and thoughts with Vivian and Tommy's family, from my wife (Angela Liuzzi) and me.
Bohdan Fedun
[email protected]
July 29, 2014
I remember the many years ago at Islip High School. Always a gentleman, a bit of a rascal, and ultimately, "The Fox"
Peter Jagiella thanks tom great baseball player
July 14, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 13, 2014
I remember the halls of Islip High School, I was just an underclassman, yet, I remember Tommy Veryzer. I was shy, but I would muster the courage to say, "Hi!" After high school I moved to Puerto Rico and I remember one day driving in my car when the sports news was on. The sports newscaster was talking about the baseball game and he was talking about "Tommy Veryzer!" I got so excited! The sense of pride and emotions overcame me, even though we just said "Hi" in the hallways of Islip High School, here I was in Puerto Rico and I knew who they were talking about!
My sincerest sympathy to Vivian and your children, to the rest of the Veryzer Family, and to Patty, in particular. May God comfort you in this time and always.
Winda Figueroa-Plata
Duane Kuiper
July 13, 2014
Rest in Peace my friend..you were a great teammate and a terrific double play partner. I will not forget the large laughs we had.......
July 13, 2014
Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Psalms 55:22.
Arthur T. Brand
July 12, 2014
Tom was eleven years younger the me but I remember shooting Baskets with him in the Islip High School Gym. I remember thinking this little kid is pretty good. As a Graduate of the IHS class of 1960 I followed his career. RIP Tom and say hello to your Dad when you see him.
GRP
July 12, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
steve and terri vejvoda
July 12, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Paul Miller
July 12, 2014
Veryzer Families. The many members of IHS Class of 1966 and friends extend our sincere sympathies to you all at this time of sorrow. We all lift you up and share your grief. You are all close to us in prayer for comfort and peace. For IHS 66, Paul Miller
July 12, 2014
Veryzer Family,
We're so sorry to hear about Tom. Praying for you and your family in your grief. He heals the brokenhearted; He binds up their wounds-PS.147:3
Deepest Sympathy
RR
July 11, 2014
My deep condolences
May the God of all comfort be with you now.
Frank Gabreluk
July 11, 2014
My hometown of Islip has lost yet another favorite son. Although I was a bit older than Tom we never shared bonding but I enjoyed his success on the diamond and the way his dad, my PE mentor, used to crow about him. Thanks for giving the sporting world tons of joy. RIP champ.
July 11, 2014
shocked and sadden at learning about the
death of tommy v - hope jimmy,jerry and
john and patty know he is in a much better place(right now trying to figure
out what deal mr. v and my dad are working on st. pete) he will be missed
one of the good ones!!
bob mulvihill
BC
July 11, 2014
Such a great loss. Much is to be said when not only a man's successes and accomplishments affect the lives of many, but also when his presence is remembered with deep respect. Such was the life of Tom Veryzer. May the Veryzer family rely heavily on our Heavenly Father for comfort, and he will act in your behalf.
Mike Morse
July 11, 2014
Still to this day, Tom was one of the best athletes I've ever seen. Having the opportunity of knowing him and playing sports together before and during high school in Islip makes his passing even more difficult. My sincerest condolences to the Veryzer family.
July 11, 2014
SINCERE CONNDOLENCES TO ALL WHO KNEW AND LOVED TOM VERYZER. I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS AND MAY YOU DRAW CLOSE TO GOD DURING THIS TIME. -1COR. 15:26
MIKE DUGAN
July 11, 2014
TOM GAVE US JOY ... US THE BASEBALL FANS.
MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY IN THE DAYS AHEAD.
Ford
July 11, 2014
May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts.
July 11, 2014
I would like to give my condolences ttyl the family. I'm sorry for your loss. -Ecclesiastes 5:8, 9
PE
July 11, 2014
My sincere condolences are with the Veryzer family on your loss of Mr. Tom Veryzer. May you treasure his memories and the drawing close to God in prayer help comfort you in your time of sorrow. Jeremiah 29:12, 13
michelle plakas-kaiser
July 11, 2014
rip
July 11, 2014
Deepest sympathies to the Veryzer family. Our loving heavenly Father promises to revive the spirit of the lowly ones and to revive the heart of the ones being crushed.—Isaiah 57:15
christine john
July 10, 2014
My deepest sympathy. Tom was one of my favorite ballplayers.
christine john
July 10, 2014
One of my favorite Tigers!! R I P Tom!!!!
Bruce Homis
July 10, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathies to all the Veryzers. Such a wonderful family that I knew growing up in Islip. Bruce Homis
Bob Ibach
July 10, 2014
Condolances to the family....I was PR director of the Cubs when Tom played there in 1983-84. Always sat near him on our airplane trips, city to city, along with Video Bob Searles. Tom was a man of few words, but always classy...and what a glove. Had it not been for having Larry Bowa on our team at SS, Tom would have been our starter.
July 10, 2014
My heart breaks at the news of Tommy's passing! We went to school at the same time! Tom at Islip and I went to Sayville! I remember taking a lot of heat from my classmates as I cheered for him when our school's played each other in baseball! Was always proud of him as a cousin and a player! My sympathy to all of you!
Sherry Dietz Scharrer
July 10, 2014
My heart breaks at the loss of Tom! We were cousins who went to school at the same time! I went to sayville and remember catching heat from my classmates cheering for Tom when he played against Sayville! We were so proud of his career! Thoughts and prayers with all of you!
Sherry dietz scharrer
July 10, 2014
a real gentleman ! very nice and humble man. rest in peace. Richie T
Michael Mulvihill
July 10, 2014
The days @ Camp Momoweta when the "Islip Team" came to play baseball are GREAT MEMORIES---my prayers go out to his wife, kids, brothers & sister Patty---his dad remains the top 5 funniest people ever to walk the Earth!
Kevin Mulvihill
July 10, 2014
Tommy was a childhood friend....it seems like just yesterday he came out to our camp (Camp Momoweta/Mattituck NY) wi/his brother Jerry and a baseball team 'n whipped myself and my brother Mike's camp team each 'n every time they visited!
Great guy....great family...his dad (Mr V) and our father were best of friends-they loved going down to Lakeland, FL to watch Tommy in spring training (and that strawberry shortcake!)---great memories, awesome stories.
My condolences to the family, Vivian, Tom Jr., Billy and Jenny (named after Mrs V I can tell :)....also to his brothers/sister Patty/Jerry/Jimmy and Johnny.
I had *just* spoken to Jenny a few weeks back to see about trying for a reunion of sorts wi/Tommy & his brothers..myself and my brothers.
Just know we're thinking of ya'll and you are in our prayers. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Signed,
Kee-yune
Kevin Mulvihill for Bobby/Mike-etc.
Bobby Wilcox
July 10, 2014
I followed the Tigers before Tom was born. I'm very sad to see him leave us. He is one of those gems we look for that everyone says good things about. God Bless your memory Tom, and prayers go out to all of his family.
George & Ann Wood
July 10, 2014
Dear Jennie and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sorry we can't be there to offer our condolences.
Jack
July 10, 2014
Tom played the game the way it was meant to be played -- he left everything on the field. Now he is on God's team. Not a bad place to be. Thanks for the memories, Tom.
July 10, 2014
LARRY YOUNGER
July 10, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Veryzer family I will always remember working him out when he came to Detroit.He was a great boy.Dick Tracewski Peckville,Pa
Carol Piwowar
July 10, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
L Smith
July 10, 2014
Baseball loses another good guy.
Rest in peace, and condolences to the Veryzer family.
July 10, 2014
With Deepest Sympathy.
July 10, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to Tommy's wife and children and his siblings, John, Jimmy, Jerry and Pat and their families. Tommy was in school with my son, Brian; my family has known the Veryzer family for many years. He will be sorely missed--always loved.
John Sirovica
July 10, 2014
So sorry for your loss. I loved it when tom played for The Detroit Tigers.
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
July 10, 2014
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS&CONDOLENCES TO THE VERYZER FAMILY,FRINEDS,FANS&ALL WHO KNEW MR. VERYZER.
David Shadle
July 10, 2014
I remember him playing was a player whom seemed to go out and play the game and never complain, rest in peace and my sincere sympathy to his family.
July 10, 2014
My condolences to the Veryzer family. May memories of your loved one sustain you and may God provide you with strength and comfort in your time of loss.
David Morrison
July 10, 2014
Prayers for the family and thanks to him.
DS
July 10, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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