Thomas Hoddinott

Obituary for Thomas Edwin Hoddinott

Thomas Edwin Hoddinott passed away suddenly at home on Friday October 18, 2024 at the age of 68. He was born to the late Gordon and Mary (nee Potter) Hoddinott of Lyndhurst, OH. He is survived by his loving wife Sarah M Hoddinott; his beloved son Gregory M Hoddinott, his ex wife Robin Miller Hoddinott, his stepdaughter Elizabeth L. Macyshyn; his siblings Mark R. Hoddinott and Nancy M. Hoddinott; his niece Jamie N Hoddinott and his nephews Luke T. Putney and Dylan M. Hoddinott.

Tom grew up in Lydhurst Ohio, where he often said proudly that he had a "Leave it to Beaver" childhood. He graduated from Charles F Brush High school in Lyndhurst where he played the trumpet in the Jazz band, competed on the varsity soccer team, was a member of the National Honor Society, and most importantly, where he made many lifelong friends who still, after 50 years, affectionately called him "Hotts". He graduated magna cum laude from Duke University with a degree in accounting. Tom was an enthusiastic member of Phi Kappa Sigma where his fraternity brother, Jeff Goldfarb became his closest lifelong friend. Tom began his career in accounting in Chicago where he became a CPA. He spent most of his professional life working in finance at Alex Brown in Baltimore, Md, and later in New York City at Deutche Bank where he retired as a director in 2018.

Tom loved his family above all, but high in his affections were his dogs, Sadie, Jessie and Petey. He was a passionate baseball fan, most especially of his beloved Cleveland Indians/Guardians and more recently of the Tampa Bay Rays. He was a proud and ardent devotee of Duke Basketball. March Madness was by far, his favorite time of year. He had an appreciation for classical music and enjoyed orchestral concerts, but he loved 70s Motown and the Philadelphia Sound. He was a great dancer. Tom loved to travel and was always open to a new adventure. He was always smiling and easily made friends everywhere he went.



Tom was brilliant, modest, very hardworking and successful. With every endeavor he undertook, he was determined to do his utmost to execute it as well as it could possibly be done. His love for his family and friends knew no bounds. The characteristics that stood out above all others were his generosity, integrity, kindness, gentle spirit, quiet humor and loving heart. He saw only the best in people. He was a mentor to many. He was a dedicated and valued volunteer and supported many charities. Over the years he coached his son's sports teams. He served on charitable boards. He built houses for Habitat for Humanity and traveled to Haiti to help build a medical clinic. While working 10 to 12 hour days, he managed to carve out time to teach and tutor GED students. He was an active member of Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church in Maplewood New Jersey, where he met his wife, Sarah while volunteering for the homeless. After his retirement he moved with Sarah to St Petersburg, Florida where he volunteered weekly at a local food bank, served as a mentor for at risk youth and was a volunteer docent at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife art where he enthusiastically and expertly conducted tours for school children.



Tom was loved and respected by all who knew him. The world is a better place because he was here

Memorial Services for Tom will be Saturday January 18th at 10:30 at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art , 150 Central Avenue, St Petersburg, Florida

Saturday, May 3, at 10:30 at Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church 600 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood NJ