Thomas E Linski Sr

Thomas Edward Linski, Sr., 86, of Auburndale, FL and formerly of New Market, VA, passed away peacefully at home on May 9, 2025. He was born September 18, 1938, the son of the late Edward and Rose Kolanoski Linski. On April 12, 1958 he married Madonna Spaulding in their hometown of Corry, PA. Tom and Donna raised four children in surrounding towns before settling in Mayville, NY where they owned and operated Bentleys Supermarket. In 1977 the family moved to New Market and a new opportunity at Midway Market. Years later, Tom found a second career with Virginia Lutheran Homes where he managed Luther Crest in New Market.
Upon retirement, Tom and Donna began spending part of the year in Auburndale, FL and in 2014 moved there permanently, where they were members of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Tom was an avid golfer, relishing in the annual family Low Linski tournament he began with his sons in 1993. He and Donna traveled extensively, especially cruises, which they enjoyed until her illness and death in 2018.
Always the optimist, Tom was a positive contributor to the many communities in which he lived. His roles in youth athletics, village government and local Rotary clubs brought purpose to his life. But it was his involvement in the game of baseball where his passion shone. Toms love of baseball began as a youngster and remained with him his entire life. Following the move to Virginia, he became a vital component to New Market Rebel Baseball. Tom served as general manager for many years and with his good friend, Jim Weissenborn, was instrumental in its fund raising efforts through home game 50/50 raffles. The wide expanse of his arms yard of tickets and his gregarious personality made it difficult for Valley League fans to deny him.
Baseball followed Tom to Florida and MLB where he was an usher in the coveted home-plate stadium section at Cleveland Indian spring training games. He traded his red ball cap for an orange one when the Detroit Tigers moved its training to Lakeland. Tom spent his later years enjoying Americas pastime with Jan McGowen, his loving partner and steadfast friend. Toms generous spirit continued as he and Jan dedicated recent Christmas seasons to collecting and donating more than 12,000 pairs of socks to area homeless shelters.
Tom will be remembered by his family and friends for his devotion to God, his unwavering patriotism, his abounding friendliness and for the infectious laughter that he brought into a room and the world.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Donna and brother, Ed Linski. In addition to Jan, he is survived by his children, Chris and husband Jerry Long of Apollo Beach, FL, Tom and wife Donna Linski of New Market, Jay and wife Terry Linski of Wildwood, FL, and Mark and wife Susie Linski of New Market; nine grandchildren, Josh (Shelley) Long, Amanda (Ryan) Moore, Nate (Gina) Long, Katelyn (Joshua) Carpenter, Kyle (Liz) Linski, Kelsey (Daniel) Sigala, Carly (Charlie) Blackwell, Jaelyn (Eric) Wilson, Matthew (Meghan) Linski; four step-grandchildren, Courtney (Travis) Cave, Ryan Pugh, Samantha Pugh and Ian (Iqra) Pugh; seventeen great grandchildren and siblings, Bill Linski of Michigan and Deanna Bliss of New York.
A funeral mass will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, June 19, 2025 at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Woodstock. Burial will immediately follow in Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery on Headquarters Road, Edinburg. The family will celebrate Toms life and receive friends immediately following the burial at Wolf Gap Vineyard & Winery, Edinburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Metropolitan Ministries, a charitable organization where Tom often volunteered. 2010 North Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33602.
Services
Cemetery
Lakeland Memorial Gardens
2125 South Bartow Road
Lakeland, FL 33801 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Thomas, please visit our Tree Store.