Thomas F. Florkiewicz

Thomas F. Florkiewicz passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026 with his children by his side. He is reunited with his beloved wife and forever Valentine, Sally. Tom was the devoted father to TJ (Coleen) and Sally Anne (Scott); cherished grandfather to Tommy, Charlie, and Miranda (Jordan); great grandfather to Cal and Lucy. He was the loving brother to Barbara Schick (Peter, deceased) and treasured uncle and great uncle to many.

Tom was born on September 6, 1944 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late John and Helen Florkiewicz. He grew up in Penn Hills and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1962 where he ran track and cross country. He went on to earn a degree in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University in 1966 becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college. This accomplishment brought his parents and extended family great pride. Later he earned an MBA from Case Western Reserve University.

Tom married Sally in 1968 and settled in Chagrin Falls where they raised their family. Tom was a steady role model to TJ and Sally Anne. He taught them to work hard and supported them through every endeavor. Tom was an active part of the community. During the early years he was a CAA coach and referee for youth basketball and baseball. He was a board member of the Chagrin Valley Recreation Center for two decades and was president for 1 year. He was a member of the Popcorn Ball Drop committee for 14 years, was the emcee for many drops, and could be seen on NYE dancing in the gazebo at midnight. He also helped bring the Chagrin Film Festival to the community and did whatever was needed to help with the annual event. He was an election poll worker and accompanied Sally to countless political events. In 2009 he was elected as a Chagrin Falls Township Trustee and served for 16 years. He also served as President of the Trustees for many years.

Tom loved his family home in Chagrin Falls. He and Sally lived life to the fullest in their house of 54 years filled with love, laughter, and tradition. Tom could always be seen outside working in the yard, garden, and around the barn. He took great pride in making sure his house looked its best for every holiday and filled it with beautiful flowers all summer. On Halloween he would dress as a live Dracula on the porch to the entertainment and fright of neighbors and grandchildren alike. Tom went to great lengths to prepare the home for the annual Blossomtime parade and he always wore his best red, white, and blue attire with a squirt gun in hand.

Tom built a distinguished career as an engineer with Diamond Shamrock, OxyTech, and Eltech specializing in chlorine cell technology. His work designing and constructing chlorine plants took him to remote corners of the world, and he embraced every opportunity to explore new places and cultures. Tom developed life-long friendships with colleagues across the globe and always looked forward to dinners, tours around the cities, midnight runs, and chlorine institute gatherings. He and Sally also warmly welcomed international friends into their home over the years.

Tom was a passionate traveler who planned countless family adventures around the United States and the world with a packed itinerary that included all the must-see attractions. He achieved his goals of visiting all 50 states and every National Park in the contiguous United States. Tom always bought a t-shirt at every stop and could talk for hours about everything he learned. For 30 years he enjoyed annual trips to Holden Beach, North Carolina with family and friends. Tom and Sally also spent winters in Venice, Florida.

Tom’s love of sports was lifelong. A dedicated runner, he logged 5-7 miles every morning before work and completed two marathons. He was an avid Cleveland sports fan who attended Browns, Indians, and Cavs games. He loved Penn State Nittany Lions football and attended many Chagrin Falls sporting events. Tom took great pride in watching his son coach his grandsons, Tommy and Charlie. Grandpa nurtured the boys’ athletic interests by throwing pitches and footballs with them, and he never missed their football, basketball, or baseball games. Afterwards he offered them a post-game analysis to help them improve. The bond he shared with his grandsons was special and enduring.

Tom was a great, honorable man known for his humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty. He is the ultimate warrior who fought his cancer battle for 34 years. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the community he helped shape, and the family he loved beyond measure. His strength and fun loving nature will always be cherished. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Friends and family are welcome to St. John Funeral Home, 16381 Chillicothe Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 on Monday, February 23 from 3 P.M. - 7 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 24 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 496 East Washington St, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 at 10 A.M. Burial to follow at Evergreen Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests making contributions to

Chagrin Rec Center

P.O. Box 84

Chagrin Falls, OH 44022

*Please note on check Memorial Gift for Tom Florkiewicz

or donate using this link https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/1287685