Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Suddes Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Suddes
Sponsored by John P. Alves.
Bill Wickman
June 7, 2017
Just learned of the passing of Tom. He was my OCS TAC Officer - 4th platoon, 52nd Co 1973. A tough, inspirational leader who got the most out of me and my fellow soldiers. I am a better person for having shared a brief part of my early life with this great man. God bless and RIP Lt. Suddes.
Doug Pollina
January 24, 2017
Coach Suddes made a huge impact in my life. I just found out that he had passed away, and it saddened me. I was a boxer at Notre Dame in the mid-90s. Coach Suddes taught me about discipline, about generosity, about passion. He was small in stature but a giant of a man. His enthusiasm and generosity with his time and his knowledge were inspirational. His legacy will live on forever. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with him. He was an extraordinary person. May God Bless him in Heaven.
-Doug Pollina
Notre Dame Class of '98
Mary Fran Cassidy
October 21, 2016
Tom certainly made a difference in the lives of so many people! May he be resting in peace, knowing of all the good he has done. May his wife and children find comfort in their grief. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Shelly Stutz
October 21, 2016
Tom was an inspiration. At first, he was just another "consultant" hired by my employer, the American Cancer Society, California Division, to help us enter the fundraising world of "Major Gifts". Once I experienced a training session and saw his passion, his straight forward approach and his complete belief that ANYTHING was possible - I was hooked. Ok - truthfully the jumping on & off tables & stools was pretty impressive too! This guy had SO much enthusiasm that I was convinced he didn't actually sleep! Over the couple of years that Tom helped guide the ACS I spent HOURS and HOURS with Tom. I'd pick him up in the early morning to drive to some location to help with the major gift training of other ACS staff and volunteers. Tom and I clicked right away and we grew to be friends and comrades in the mission to fight cancer by raising as much money as was possible. He was always available by phone to chat about the right approach to a certain donor. His support and encouragement made me a more successful fundraiser than I ever could've been on my own. Once I became a mom and worked part-time Tom made me see how I could balance work and family. When kid number two arrived, I did retire from the ACS after 16 years of service and Tom and I styed in touch. I have continued to read the Impact emails that show up in my in-box and from time to time would reach out to Tom when something reminded me of our adventures together. He always responded in a timely way (proving again that he didn't actually ever sleep!!) & we shared lots of laughs and memories. We've talked several times since, including once when he was in LA for work and came to have dinner at my house with my family. My little girls called him Uncle Tom and loved his crazy energy (you can see he was made to be an OG/grandpa!!). I'm saddened by his departure and my heart goes out to his whole family. Trudy and the kids & grand kids, as well as the "Eagle Creek Family" of Phyllis, Nick & the crew. My heart will be with you all this Saturday 10/22 and I'll be thinking of an OG who wrote this dedication to me in the first book he wrote Take a Quantum Leap - ..."if it doesn't make us money & it's not fun - don't do it!!". This was my mantra while doing Major Gifts for the ACS and Tom loved it. Lots of love for a guy who jumped off a table and into my life & heart all those years ago. You'll be missed O.G.
XOXO, Shelly Stutz
aka Mama Bearcat - my "code name" made up by Tom)
October 19, 2016
My life was forever changed by Tom. Because of him, I've made bolder choices and bigger moves in the way I work, play and serve. He showed me and everyone around him how to live FOR IMPACT. I was blessed to get to serve four "tours of duty" working with Tom, and am grateful beyond words for the experience. What a blessing it was to have him as a leader, coach and friend! My deepest condolences go to Trudy and his children and grandchildren, who he loved so very much!
Mike Saxon
October 12, 2016
Take care, my old high school friend. You're leaving behind a great legacy.
Pam Smith
October 12, 2016
Healing thoughts and prayers to the entire Tom Suddes family. As you mourn his loss, may you also be comforted by good memories... Our sincere condolences, Steve and Pam Smith
October 4, 2016
Trudy,
Words can't express our family's sense of loss. Tom will live forever through his works!
Conrad Rubinkowski
October 4, 2016
I first met Tom in the boxing room at the ACC. I was one of Lefty's hockey boys in 1972. For 2 weeks during dry landing training, we took boxing lessons for Tom. I thought I came to ND to play hockey, not to box. Little did I know how much tougher college hockey was compared to high school. The conditioning was outstanding and did he push us.
Pat Novitzki, 1976
October 3, 2016
Dear Mary Ann and the entire Suddes family,
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the peace that you seek.
Sincerely,
Colleen Mcvary Vincent
September 30, 2016
Happy are those who mourn since they will be comforted matthew 5 : 4
Janet Woolard
September 30, 2016
To all your Children Tom , especially Taggert and Meghan our Hearts are heavy for you. Your Dad was an Exceptional and Amazing Father and Leader ! Besides Tom being Our Friend ... Tom You were our Children's Friend . Thank you for All Your Love and Support .....May You Rest In Peace. Your Legacy will live on.........As Our Family is One , we have been Blessed to know you ! Love all the Gamby's / Woolard's .
Greg Bachman
September 30, 2016
We were all so blessed to have known Tom and to have been inspired by him. Tom was in my corner for several of my Bengal Bout fights at ND 40 years ago. Trudy and Tom generously gave of their house and time 13 years ago to let my wife Maureen and I have our wedding reception at their house. With a pool, bball courts, mini-golf, a climbing wall and a zip line our relatives/friends still talk about the reception. His stories about "Rudy" were priceless. Thank you Trudy and children for letting us share Tom with you!
September 30, 2016
I became a student, client then FAN of Tom Suddes. I'll be forever grateful for the focus he gave me as a fundraiser.
When I learned that Tom had ALS, I was grateful he allowed me to visit him at his home - it was a few months prior to his daughter's September wedding. He told me his goal was to walk her down the isle...I checked back with him following the wedding and he shared a picture and of course he met the goal! :)
Like many of you, I too have a shelf of books that Tom shared with me over the years. I will treasure them and his best life-lessons close to my heart.
Suddes Family, thank you for sharing husband, Dad, Grandfather...with the world! :)
Gratefully Yours in Christ,
Marilyn Blanchette, Oviedo FL
Tracy Elliott
September 30, 2016
One of the most inspiring people I've ever known.
John Alves
September 30, 2016
Tom was and will continue to be an inspiration to me and my family. He has been an amazing gift in our lives and it was a great privilege to know and work with Tom...He showed us all how to "Suffer like a Champion"...Tom's life and legacy will always truly remain "ForImpact"...Our world will miss Tom but his light will never fade...We love you Tom and thank you...May the angels welcome you to paradise.
John, Linda, Zachary,Anna,Sam and Victoria Alves
Linda Alamshah
September 30, 2016
Shannon I am so sorry to hear this. Sending Love and prayers for your whole amazing family. Loved talking with your Dad over at Charlie and Carla's at Thanksgiving and other celebrations over the years. I hope you all can find comfort in each other. What a wonderful man to be able to call OG!!!
Love and Hugs,
Linda Alamshah
September 30, 2016
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing.
Judy DiPaolo Lord
Carol Stewart
September 30, 2016
To the Suddes Family so sorry for your loss. I met your family when visiting my brother Jim Yoder also visited the farm at a different visit
Linda Gadek
September 30, 2016
My sincere condolences to the entire Suddes family. I have known Tom and Trudy for many years, mostly through my daughter Leigh, who spent many hours of her middle childhood and adolescence at the Suddes home. A few years back, I was fortunate to teach one of Tom's grandchildren at the St. Brigid's Religious Education program. Oftentimes Tom would come to pick up his granddaughter at dismissal, and we would spend a few minutes discussing the "old days" when Meghan and Leigh and their friends would spend time at the "farm". Tom was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Leigh Gadek
September 29, 2016
Prayers go out to the Suddes family. I contribute most of my fondest memories of childhood, to Tom. I didn't realize it back then, but as I got older and became a parent myself, Tom was one of the most hands on Dads I have ever met. He gave our group of friends the wisdom to know that girls could do anything we set our minds to. From teaching us to box, play ball, to helping us build a fort and plan for and throw our senior party out at their place which we called "the farm", Tom always had time for us and cared so much about our group of friends. I have often talked about him over the years and the impression he left on me. Such a good man and was devastated to hear of his passing. He certainly made his mark in this world and left it with the legacy of Making this world that much better of a place. RIP Mr. Suddes. My deepest condolences to the family. Prayers going up for all of you.
September 29, 2016
Trudy and kids, I am so sorry to hear about Tom, my heart weighs heavy along with you. Such an amazing man and leader. He was always such a joy to be around, his smile and energy was infectious. may you find peace in his passing, as his memory will live long.
Love, Karen Palmquist and family.
Mike DeLuca
September 29, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Suddes family and friends. There are so many great stories to share about my time with Tom, the Suddes family and Eagle Creek in the '90's. I can simply say I wouldn't be who I am today without Tom's influence on my life. Heaven got a good one this week; a one of a kind, passionate, original, and true friend to many.
September 29, 2016
Our deepest sympathy for your family. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Patrick and Marcia Wall
Deann Ward
September 29, 2016
Sending my love and support to the Suddes family, particularly Meghan and Taggart with whom I shared one of their middle school years. May you know how thoroughly you are surrounded by love.
Mary Beth Sommers
September 29, 2016
One of the first things that comes to mind was when I was 15, Tom took me over to the fairgrounds in his VW Beetle and taught me how to drive a stick shift... That man had the patience of a saint that day, for sure! Even then, he was always willing to give of himself to help others, even some punk 15 year old girl. I love you Tom, and appreciate all the wonderful memories we've had over the years.
Jim McGraw
September 29, 2016
Tom was a special gift to everyone he touched. His coaching in the ring, with his business colleagues and his clients around the world significantly impacted thousands of lives. All of us, so influenced by Tom, will carry in our hearts a part of his amazing legacy for the rest of our days. His 40 plus year dedication to Notre Dame through his leadership of the Bengal Bouts has been partially matched only by Knute Rochne and Nappy Napolitano. His Honorary Monogram is a small tribute to this incredible service. There will never be another Tom Suddes. We were so lucky to have him as part of our lives.
Hedda Kaphengst
September 29, 2016
A wonderful man. I will keep his message in my heart. He changed my view on life. My condolences to his wonderful family. Tom, wherever you are now. I know you will be welcome. Hedda from Ireland - entrepreneur. X
September 29, 2016
Dear Tom - thank you for inspiring me and so many others to live with passion and purpose. Thank you for being a model of reckless enthusiasm, courage and love. Thanks for being a nut. Thanks for being fearless. And thank you for dying the way you lived - with strength, faith and joy. May our Lord welcome you into His heavenly home and may you continue to encourage the rest of us through your prayers and through spirit which lives on. In Christ's love, Matt Palmer
Eagle Creek when the Shroder's had a wedding shower
Chanda Dicke
September 29, 2016
Tom was a very special person to me. After the passing of his neighbor, whom I worked for, he hired me to help raise monies for the Jack Nicklaus Museum and I continued to work with him at Eagle Creek. He also was my son's first soccer coach and gave every opportunity to my children. But Tom was my mentor the most! Thoughts to you Trudy and the kids.
Janet Woolard
September 29, 2016
May You Rest in Peace our Dear Friend ......
Carl Sharp
September 29, 2016
Such sad news .. Thomas was such an inspiring person to be around . I'm keeping him and his family in my prayers.
Janet Woolard
September 28, 2016
All Our Love and Prayers for you Tom and to all your children ... You have always been a wonderful Friend and role model especially to our children . May you rest in peace and sing with the Angels .... Love Janet and Ron
judith Green
September 28, 2016
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing, my condolences to his family and friends. One of my fondest memories is spending time at Eagles Creek some years ago and finding out we have the same favorite candy...Three Musketeers. He was a true inspiration and will be missed.RIP OG!
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Suddes's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Suddes
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 Suddes'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
