THOMAS DULA

1944 - 2017

Thomas Dula, age 73, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 2, 2017 in Austin, TX. He was born on March 19, 1944 in Michalovce, Czechoslovakia to Ruth and Julius Dula. His family survived the Nazi occupation and later immigrated to El Paso, Texas when he was six years old. He was a proud graduate of El Paso High School where he played saxophone in the marching band. Tom later graduated with a Bachelor's degree in history from Southern Methodist University. In 1968, he began work with his father and managed the family business, Del Norte Department Store. A couple years later, he opened Del Norte Sporting Goods and Tibor's, one of El Paso's finest men's clothing stores. Tom met his beloved wife of 42 years, Sandra Beleck of Tyler, Texas, in 1974, and they were married just three months later. Together they had three daughters who cherished him dearly. Tom retired from the retail business and eventually bought what became Creative Container, Inc. He will be remembered by many as a successful business owner and for his generous contributions to the El Paso community, the Jewish community, and to Israel. Tom enjoyed spending his free time pulling the slot machines at the Sunland Park Racetrack, following current events and politics, and above all, enjoying a good meal. He was passionate about his religion and loved his family more than anything. Tom is survived by his wife Sandy, daughters Jessica (Brian) Laviage, Wesley (Matt) Lichtenstein, and Erin (Jason) Busch, sister Gabriella (Jimmy) Siegel and his nieces Jordana (Matt Heine) Siegel and Erica (Jonathan Mello) Siegel. He was the proud grandfather of four grandchildren Mia, Charlotte, Elia, and Cole. Graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 11:00 am at B'Nai Zion Cemetery, 3915 Gateway Blvd West in El Paso. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Congregation B'nai Zion of El Paso, El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center, or the charity of your choice.