Thomas Leszek Piatkowski

Gosh, Its been two years since we lost you and Im still feeling the vacancy you left on my life. Great buddies from the 10th grade, I have innumerable memories of shenanigans and antics I shared with Tom that spanned most of a lifetime; in high school hitting Shakers Manners Big Boy on Friday night in Toms 1956 Ford Station wagon, partying at the Down Under when Tom was at Cleveland State Univ., concert crashing at KSU, sharing an apartment on Hessler Street in Cleveland and working together as professional commercial building painters in summer of 1973. Sharing an apartment in Columbus during the wild Spring of 1975. My wedding in Winston-Salem in August 1984. Toms visits to our home when work brought him to San Diego during the 90s. Finally, my several visits to Toms home in the Monterey Peninsula, most recently in November 2016.
Anyone who knew Tom recognized that he had a special way with women. He always was perusing a really cool lady. I was always envious of the latest object of his entanglements. I met many of these wonderful women over the years. Perhaps the most obvious facet of Toms personality (to me at least) was his generosity. He always gave more than he received in return. He loaned me money, clothes, his car for weeks at a time, his bedroom and even a girlfriend or two. How could I repay? Forget it dude, were just two buckaroos trying to get through life. Well Tom, its 2 years on and I still miss you terribly. But if anyone is in a safe place in the beyond, it is surely you, my toulou friend!

Tom's loss saddens me greatly. Among our PC colleagues he stands out. He once told me,"I work hard and I play hard." No kidding! Just being with him was like a party. I was always glad to see him because I knew that I'd have a lot of fun and an adventure or two. When it was time for him to go home, he'd shout at me,"The Divine Ms. L! You know who I serve!" from his motorcycle. I hung onto that title for years. I think I even had a T shirt with that title on it. I will always remember him with love and I believe he is flying south with the Monarch butterflies, free and joyful. I think this of loved ones who leave us; if they become part of the universe, they are in the rain that falls on us, in the flowers that grow and the butterflies who flutter among them. Farewell, Tom. May you live on, fresh, solid and free.
Loretta

My sincere condolences go to you and your family. May God comfort you in these difficult times (2 Cor. 1:3).

My condolences to the family of Thomas, devoted father, brother, son, extended relatives and friends, who will miss him terribly, I can only imagine that this unexpected loss has brought much pain and sorrow, please take comfort in each other at this most difficult time.

Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. We continue to pray that you all find comfort and peace in the Lord and in the wonderful memories you have of him.
Love,
Bob and Patsy

Tom was such an important part of the Gonzales community. He always said "yes" when asked to collaborate on projects and working groups aimed at problem solving and serving others. I adored him as a person and always looked forward to hearing his ideas. Most of all, he walked life on a path always aimed at being a good, kind, compassionate, and service oriented human being. I'm so sad he is gone. It was a life well lived Tom. You got the point. You were a great human being. Your legacy will live on in all of the lives you touched.

I am so sorry for your loss. I use to work for Tom. His personality was always shining bright. Such a wonderful and great man.

We are sorry to learn of the passing of Thomas, but grateful for his service to our nation with the Peace Corps in the West Indies.

Our Condolences,

The National Peace Corps Association