Thomas F. "Tom" Ciminelli

North Lima - Area Golf Pro Thomas "Tom" F. Ciminelli, age 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Tom was born on December 20, 1942 in Youngstown, Ohio. The son of Ted and Lena (Fretlose) Ciminelli. He attended St. Edward Elementary School and served as an altar boy at St. Edward Catholic Church. Tom attended Ursuline High School where he was recognized as a student athlete, playing basketball, football and excelling at golf. While in high school, Tom competed in several area golf tournaments and was a frequent medalist.

Tom was drafted into the Unites States Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon returning to the United States, his talents were recognized by the "golfing brass" who saw to it that he was quickly assigned as a Pro at (the Fort Belvoir Golf Club) in Washington D.C. where he served out his military commitment. As a teaching pro there, he shared a golf cart with many top military brass and even a vice president. Tom described his time playing golf as an active military member, where typical golf apparel was his assigned uniform, as one of the best periods of his life. While serving in the Washington D.C, he attended the University of Maryland.

Following his return to the Youngstown area and in pursuit of a career in golf, he attended PGA Academy where he completed his professional certification. Tom successfully entered and competed through two tours seasons. He continued his career serving as course professional and instructor throughout the northeast Ohio area. Tom also distinguished himself as a sports retailer. For several years, he owned and operated a chain of sporting goods stores. Tom was know and often referred to as T.C. by his many students and friends who came to know him through his many years as Manager and Pro at the Youngstown Municipal Golf Course. Tom relished sharing the enjoyment of the game with young and old players of all skill levels.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and will be lovingly missed by Florence Kryzan Swierz, his life partner of over 25 years. While golf and sports were a consistent part of T.C.'s everyday life, he leaves behind an extensive network of extended family and friends.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood Street in Youngstown with Fr. John T. Rovnak officiating.

Arrangements are being handled by Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market Street in Boardman.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with Tom's family.