Thomas Heiderman

1952 - 2025

Thomas (Tommy) Charles Heiderman, 72 years, passed away peacefully at home in Naples, Florida on Friday, January 31, 2025, surrounded in love by his family.

Tommy was born in Baltimore, Maryland on May 1, 1952. He attended Loyola Blakefield High School and graduated in 1970. He received his bachelor's degree from Villanova University in 1974. Tommy opened The Hobbit Restaurant in Ocean City, Maryland in 1977. "Old timers" will fondly remember it as the little white cottage on 82nd Street. Tommy's vision of expanding The Hobbit became a reality when he built the second restaurant on 81st Street and the Bay, opening in 1983. He operated in that location for 22 years. He planned and designed the third and current iteration of The Hobbit, which opened in 2008. The last nearly 50 years of The Hobbit Restaurant have given Tommy and his family some of the most wonderful memories of their lives.

Tommy was a visionary. His determination, passion, creativity and relentless attention to detail were hallmarks of his success – not just with the restaurant, but in every aspect of his life. He was an integral part of the community in Ocean City, where he and MJ raised their three boys. He spent years coaching basketball, beginning with the Ocean City Rec League, followed by middle school and high school basketball at Worcester Preparatory School in Berlin, Maryland. Coaching his sons and their friends over the years at WPS was incredibly special to him. Tommy was instrumental in starting the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC), fondly known as the "Crabcake Conference." His basketball legacy can be found in the many banners that now decorate the Worcester Prep Gymnasium.

Tommy had an enormous impact on the lives of many. He had a sincere and genuine interest in people and their life experiences. He quietly helped and encouraged many friends, family members, and coworkers to achieve their dreams. Tommy lit up any room he was in. He was a storyteller, and his big and vibrant personality and infectious laugh were loved and adored by all who knew him. When he wasn't at the restaurant or with his family, Tommy would often be on the golf course, and most certainly figuring out how to adjust a bet in his favor.

Tommy, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, is survived by the love of his life, Mary Jo (MJ), and their children Michael (Jill), Matthew (Jenna), and Garvey (Brianna). Tommy is also survived by his grandchildren Elizabeth, Samantha, Maggie, Katherine, Jack, Annie, and Lucas, and by his brother Fred (Sue) and sister Donna (Harry), nephews Christopher and Jeffrey, and niece Jenny. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Dorothy (Dot) Heiderman, in-laws Gene and Donna Mae Garvey, nephew Andrew Heiderman, and brother-in-law Mark Bohning. Tommy was a close friend and confidante to MJ's siblings, Mark, David, Bruce and Maureen. Nothing made Tommy prouder than his family, and especially his loving wife Mary Jo of 42 years. Tommy, affectionately known as "Diz" to his grandchildren, was the true leader of the family. His legacy will be honored today and each day forward.

A funeral service will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church at 985 Third Street S, Naples, Florida, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 10:30 AM. A reception and a toast to Tommy and his life will take place from 11:30-2:00 PM at Bleu Provence located at 1234 8th Street S Naples, Florida.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Tommy on Sunday, May 18th, 2025, at The Hobbit Restaurant in Ocean City, Maryland from 3:00-7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Tommy's honor can be made to the "Tommy Heiderman Worcester Prep Athletic Fund", at CFES.org/donate or mailed to Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, 1324 Belmont Ave. Ste. 401, Salisbury, MD 21804. Please note the "Tommy Heiderman Worcester Prep Athletic Fund" in the comment section online or on your check. This fund will benefit Worcester Prep Athletics, and specifically the basketball program. Any contributions will go towards funding and growing the program.