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Thomas Francis Theurkauf Jr.
Thomas Francis Theurkauf Jr.
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Thomas Theurkauf Obituary
The head of the sunfish was attached to one side of the hook. The other side of the lure was embedded in Thomas Theurkauf Jr.'s hand. His son Henry, 9, frantically rowed the boat to shore, making a few erratic circles. Mr. Theurkauf waved his hand wildly, trying to shake the fish and hook from his hand.
Mr. Theurkauf's wife, Robin, severed the fish head and rushed him to the hospital. "They successfully treated Tom," his brother Bill said at a recent memorial service. "The fish didn't make it."
But, oh, how Mr. Theurkauf loved to tell that tale of the one that would not go away.
As an analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, which had offices on the 89th floor of 2 World Trade Center, Mr. Theurkauf gave countless television and newspaper interviews. This year The Wall Street Journal named him the top banking analyst in the country. But his family and friends remember the less serious side. "He loved to make his friends and family laugh," Bill Theurkauf said. "And was more than willing to laugh at himself."
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on October 6, 2001.
Thomas Francis Theurkauf, Jr., 44, of Stamford, perished Tuesday, (September 11, 2001) in the tragic events at the World Trade Center where he worked as Executive Vice President and member of the Board of Directors for Keefe, Bruyette and Woods. Tom was born and raised in Glastonbury, received his BS from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from Dartmouth's Amos Tuck School. Tom leaves his beloved wife, Robin (Siegel) Theurkauf of Stamford; and their three wonderful children, Thomas Francis (Tommy), Edward Arthur (Teddy), and Charles Henry (Henry). He was the son of Helen and Thomas Theurkauf, Sr., Glastonbury; brother to William Theurkauf of Sterling, MA, sisters, Patricia Theurkauf and Barbara Theurkauf, both of Glastonbury. In addition, he leaves many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins across the United States. Tom lived for his family and friends, to plan weekends with Robin, to fish and play with his boys at every possible moment, and to entertain friends and family with love and food. Tom always had a smile on his face, and took the time to help others. He made a lasting impact on all whom he encountered. Tom will be dearly missed by his family, friends and associates. Tom Theurkauf was well known to readers in Hartford, Boston, New York and across the country for his expertise on the banking business. His opinions and reports on institutions such as FleetBoston Financial Corp and State Street Corp. were quoted frequently in the Boston Globe, the Boston Herald, and the Hartford Courant. His knowledge reached national and international audiences too. Tom was a frequent guest on CNBC, commenting on such topics as the Asian financial crisis in 1998 and as well as recent developments in the market, with coverage spanning from New York to Tokyo. His many accomplishments include being recently named the number one bank analyst in the country by the Wall Street Journal. His memorial mass will be held Friday, September 28, 10 a.m., at St. Patrick-St. Anthony's Church, Church St., Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The House of Bread, 1453 Main St., Hartford, CT 06120.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Donna Anderson
November 16, 2023
I want to express my deepest sympathy to all of Tom´s family.
Henry, I remember you well as you played with my son Jeff during the long summer days at the Long Ridge Club. I want you to know how frequently I think of your Dad and Mom as I spent time having many conversations with your Mom and how important it was to her to raise strong boys that had respect for women. I also have images burned in my mind of the frequent weekend runs I took and always passed your Dad heading in the opposite direction down Rockrimmon Rd. He was such a humble man and would always have a big smile and wave as I ran past. You had such special and terrific parents. I hope you know how much you were loved and how many peoples lives were affected by your wonderful parents. May God bless you and bring you peace in knowing how your parents are remembered!!!
The Kindred Family
December 20, 2019
Sending our deep sympathy to your family. With each new day may God give the help needed to cope. Tom is still sadly missed by others. Finally may the time come when these violent acts end for all time.
Mary Feder
September 11, 2014
Rest in Peace, Tom.
Huangyi
March 2, 2014
Mr.Theurkauf,you still be cherished by the people who love you or even just a stranger like me.
No matter how the time pass,you are alive in our minds.
Please rest in peace and God always be with you and your family!
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Robert Guarnotta
October 25, 2011
I recetly purchased a braclet with Thomas's name on it. I will tell everyone who askes me about Thomas. He will be remembered as long as I have the braclet.
Richard Dennison
September 13, 2011
Tom,
It's been 10 years. I still think of you often. I remember your visiting my home (log cabin) for a pig roast and party. We pledged then to see each other again sometime after your transfer to NYC. We didn't.
However, I know we will see each other fairly soon. I have pancreatic cancer, and may not be here too much longer. I'm looking forward to our delayd reunion.
Mary Feder
September 13, 2011
Tom,
I remember when I worked at LISB and we all went to the Mets game at the suite at Shea and you brought the boys. They were so cute and such a handful at the time. We worked together so many years after that. You were the best at what you did. I learned a lot from you. May you rest in peace and please watch over us all.
Rebecca Walters
August 29, 2011
I have started a memorial page on facebook called Remember Me. Each member who joins, receives the name of someone who died on 9/11 to honour. Please know that your loved one is not forgotten and prayed for.
Jack Wilson
December 16, 2008
I knew his youngest son, Henry in elementary school. We were classmates when this tragic day happened. Although I was to young then to really understand, I do now. Rest in Peace Mr. Theurkauf.
kristine
October 23, 2008
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Victoria Riordan
December 21, 2007
These few days before Christmas, I remember Main Street and those endless, happy childhood days before sorrow had touched any of us. I pray that our sorrow turns to joy before Him.
P Tabbernor
March 30, 2007
In memory....
G Piazza
November 16, 2006
I also have never met Tom but I've just read about what happened to him and his family and I am deeply moved by it. By all accounts, Tom was an extraordinary man and the world is a lesser place in his absence. I am very sorry for your loss and sorry I never had the fortune to meet Tom.
JR
October 17, 2006
I never met you Tom, and I've never met any member of your family. But today I read your eulogy and you impressed me as a great man. I too have 3 boys, and today what I take away from you and your life is a lesson in living. When my boys come up against competing priorities for my time I will remember you. When my wife is looking for more attention I will remember you. Thank you, in advance, for helping me to re-prioritize my life. To your boys I offer my deepest condolences on their loss of you, but they are lucky for all of the wonderful memories that they have of you and them together.
Samuel Mutschelknaus
October 30, 2004
Hi Tommy,
I will never forget that day your father passed away.
Sammy Mutschelknaus
Charles McCauley
September 12, 2002
One year later, our hearts are still as broken as on that first, terrible day when we learned that Tom was taken from us.
On behalf of the brothers of Xi Chapter, Tau Epsilon Phi Fraternity, where Tom showed us how to be a leader, a winner and always a friend, I wish to express our profound sorrow and sympathy to Tom's parents, siblings, wife and children, and to all who Tom befriended.
Page Hopkins
September 12, 2002
I met Tom while I was working at Bloomberg, anchoring their morning show. I interviewed him several times and was always amazed at how self-effacing and funny he was, given his stature as a leading (if not THE leading) bank analyst. When we heard that Keefe was hit in the attacks, a co-worker and I looked at eachother and immediately said "Tom Theurkauf.." hoping he was ok. Of course, that was not the case. I met so many analysts during my tenure at Bloomberg and Tom was always one of my absolute favorite guests. He was intelligent, unpretentious, funny and always insightful...a rare combination in this industry. I pray for his family and hope his children will know what an extraordinary man their father was. Page Hopkins
Harold Koh
September 12, 2002
I am a friend of Robin. I never met Tom, but my family and I grieve for him and his family and dream of a world under law in which his example will shine.
Tony Clawson
September 11, 2002
Through his sister, I had the great pleasure of meeting Thomas and hearing him speak in New York. Like his sister, he was very intelligent, funny and warm. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Beth Bernhardt
September 11, 2002
Tom was a favorite client in his early days at Hartford National Bank. He brought enthusiam and creativity to his job and his friends. He often spoke of his professional dreams to make his mark on the banking industry and someday to be the "financial guy" to his fraternity brothers at MIT -- dreams in part fulfilled and in part interrupted. I remember him fondly and hope there are many who can tell his children what a truly great guy he was. Although, I do not have the privelege of knowing his family, they have been and will continue to be in my prayers.
Robin Hoover
September 10, 2002
As a life long friend of your Aunt and Uncle, Pat and Ed, I want to extend my prayers for your family's peace and strength tomorrow, one year since.
May 14, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN...THOMAS FRANCIS THEURKAUF JR. AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE..CHILDREN...FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA..NEW YORK AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF MASSACHUSETTS..MAY JESUS..ST.THOMAS..ST FRANCIS AND THE FISHERMAN ST.PETER GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Christine Barton
May 2, 2002
I did not know Thomas at all My daughter Jeanmarie Wallenodrf may have she has also worked at kbw but the reason i am her eis to say how sorry I am to his family , and
I can only hope this is all so very not true I know how you must miss him as I do my little girl.
how could something so simple as going to work become such a terror
as this this to so many again I am truly sorry and I feel your pain. I am adding a little picture my other daughter drew it has jeanmarie name on it but the picture is meant for all .
George Russell
April 16, 2002
I had the pleasure of working with Tom at Hartford National Bank/Connecticut National/Shawmut. We often called on investment banking clients in Fairfield County. Watching him work was a rare treat. He was a professional in every sense of the word and clients were both impressed and thrilled with his efforts. Moreover, Tom brought to every situation a sense of urgency and caring which was appreciated by his fellow bankers as well as his clients. I don't think I have come across anyone who displayed Tom's ability to make the person across the table feel so highly valued. His death is a tragedy and a loss for all of us.
Bette MacCarthy
December 23, 2001
I worked with Tommy in his first job out of graduate school at Hartford National Bank. He was the best of the best. I will always remember his smiling face and innocence in starting his new life. He was happy and full of life. I will always miss him and feel privileged to have known him before he became the big, respected executive in his field I always knew he would become.
He comes from real good stock!
With love and respect, Bette
john sullivan
December 10, 2001
to all the theurkauf family-
i am a former bank president from nyc who had the honor and privilige of knowing and working with tom for many years. he was a true gentlemen and friend in every sense of the word. my respect for will continue throughout the years. my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Teresa Jahn
December 10, 2001
Thomas's love of making others smile is still carried on because as I read about the fish that wouldn't go away I had a smile on my face. I will remember Thomas's story the next time I go fishing and so I know Thomas will continue making people smile. Our hearts are so very sorry for your loss of Thomas. We all cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Barbara Pervier
December 9, 2001
I work at the Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showroom in the Boston Design Center
and have known Helen and Thomas Sr. for many years. I appreciate their professionalism, kindness, and humor. They are wonderful people.
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of their son.
Barbara Pervier
Cheryl Swaim
October 31, 2001
As a former bank analyst, I crossed paths with Tom many times. He was a wonderful guy. God bless.
Jolyne Hoff Lea
October 16, 2001
To the Theurkauf Family,
God Bless you all. I remember the good times I spent at your home in Glastonbury many years ago, and how close your family was. May you all have strength during this time, and know that there are many people who keep you in their thoughts and support you in spirit. Our deepest sympathies.
Jolyne (Hoff) Lea
Bing Higgins
October 9, 2001
To the Theurkauf Family,
May God bless you all in your loss. I remembered Tom as a co-worker in the Financial Division at Hartford National/Connecticut National Bank. Best wishes.
Cheryl Morgan
September 28, 2001
To Pat and family, I want to express my deepest sympathy in the loss of Tom. The events at the World Trade Center touched all of us and I am deeply saddened that you have lost such a young, vibrant and loved family member. I attended the rally in Glastonbury on Sunday, 9/23 and I was in awe of Barbara's ability to speak about the events and put them in perspective for us. My thoughts and prayers are with you and especially with Tom's wife and children. God Bless.
Michele Lattanzio
September 27, 2001
To the Theurkauf Family,
I worked with Trish at The Phoenix and am SO deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Trish often spoke of her family and I know how much she loved and respected her brother. My prayers have gained a more personal element as I will mention all of you in name. My deepest sympathies.
Michele Griffin Lattanzio
Michelle Guzman
September 26, 2001
I am Holly D'Auteuils sister. She is married to Rick, who was good friends with Tom. My heart goes out to your family. Holly and Rick have said nothing but good things about Tom. I met Tom and Robin and their kids when I was visiting Holly and Rick last summer. Such kind people, and so friendly. You're family is in our thoughts and prayers. May you soon find peace amidst all this anguish.
LuEllen Casler
September 25, 2001
Dear Robin,
I'm Holly D'Auteuil's sister and I only met you and Tom one time but I heard many times over the years what wonderful friends you guys were to Holly and Rick. I remember the time I came to your house so well, because it was so peaceful and beautiful there, but much more than that because of the warm hospitality you showed me. I'll also NEVER forget the swordfish Tom cooked for us that night! It was one of the best dinners I have ever had, in the most congenial company. My heart goes out to you and your boys, and I wish you peace and the certainty that Tom continues to love and watch over you all. God bless, LuEllen Casler
Anne and John Polich
September 25, 2001
Our hearts and prayers are with your family at this time of great sadness. The Polich Family
Sister of Holly D'Auteuil
sally marples reken
September 24, 2001
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.My heart is full of sorrow, but I am filled with all the happy memories of Tom playing with his three boys.You will always have a big place in my heart. love sally.
Kenneth Archer
September 24, 2001
Christine and I want to extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to you at this sad time for your family and the nation.
I hope that, in time, the thoughts and prayers of your friends and neighbors will give you some comfort in the knowledge that God, and your fellow people, are with you in their hearts.
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