Thomas J. Passaro Jr.

Thomas J. Passaro, Jr., 81, of Springdale, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on February 23, surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy of family and love.

Born on a cold, wintry January 9, 1945, in Union City, New Jersey, to Thomas and Leda Passaro, Thomas carried his East Coast roots with him throughout his life, blending strength, loyalty, and deep devotion to family in everything he did.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Leda and Thomas, as well as his sister Maryanne Hospidor.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia; his sons Stephen (Carrie), Jeffrey (Laura), and Matthew (Jennifer); and his cherished grandsons, Nicholas, Michael, and Warner, who were his greatest joys. And enough nieces and nephews to fill out an NFL roster.

Thomas proudly served his country as a member of the Connecticut National Guard, a chapter of his life that reflected his deep sense of duty. He carried that same sense of duty and service into his community, serving on the Waterford Board of Education and on the Board of Selectmen for the town. Thomas strongly believed in education, serving as an advocate for students and teachers.

Above everything, Thomas loved his family. Every July, the family would gather in the upstairs family room, watching the Major League All-Star Game with the air conditioning on, enjoying baseball as a family.

Thomas leaves behind a legacy of love, service, duty, and commitment. As John F. Kennedy said, "When we leave this world, we should be able to look back and say that we have done our best to make it a better place for our children."

This is the legacy that Thomas leaves behind, having left the world a better place for his children and grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 27th, 2026, at 10 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Tontitown, Arkansas.