Tom Tucker

1943 - 2025

Tom Tucker
09/12/1943 - 08/04/2025
Tom passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a long, courageous battle with prostate cancer. His life was extended by the excellent medical care he received at Kaiser, Santa Rosa. Tom was a resident of Bodega Bay for the past thirteen years. He was born in Tracy, California, to Alice and Faye Tucker. After graduating from Stagg High School in Stockton, he attended Stockton Junior College receiving his AA with honors transferring to San Francisco State earning a BS in biology continuing on to a MS in marine biology, graduating Cuma laude. He briefly attended Sacramento State earning a minor in chemistry before transferring back to San Francisco State where he became a teacher's assistant for Dr. Margaret Bradbury, professor of ichthyology. His interest in the study of fishes led him on the path to becoming the Curator of Steinhart Aquarium at the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park from which he retired after 41 years. Scuba diving and snorkeling became second nature to him professionally and recreationally. During his time at the aquarium, he mentored future aquatic biologists and inspired many others to appreciate marine biology.
After his earning his MS, his student deferment status expired during the Vietnam War and he had to report for induction into the military in Oakland, California. For some reason, the Marine Corp was not meeting their quota of recruits and could select men from the line of new draftees. Tom and several others were chosen to be members of "The Few, The Proud." His college degrees were recognized, especially his minor in chemistry, so his MO was biological, nuclear, and chemical warfare. He finished training in Yuma, Arizona, and had orders to be sent to Vietnam. When his plane landed in Guam to refuel, his orders were changed to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, where he completed his two-year obligation. He achieved the rank of Sergeant under the command of Top "Gunny" Sergeant Gagnon in the Third Tank Battalion.
He returned to live in San Mateo for forty years where he and his wife, Prudence, raised their daughters, Jennifer and Darcy. He was an active member and elder in the First Presbyterian Church. Upon retirement, he and Prudence moved to the coastal community, Bodega Bay, where he enjoyed the challenge of teeing off at the Links at Bodega Harbour. He became a member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and a certified ham radio operator. Still interested in biology, he studied honey bees and set up two hives on a friend's property. His most recent endeavor involved growing California fremontia native trees from seedlings, now blooming with brilliant orange flowers in the front yard.
Tom is survived by Prudence, his wife of 59 years, Jen Tucker and Darcy Fitzpatrick, daughters, Luke Fitzpatrick, grandson, Dan Fitzpatrick, son-in-law, Lynn Tucker, sister, and special friend, Scott Strohmeyer.
The family will be celebrating his life at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to San Francisco State University Biology Department or the Academy of Sciences in his memory.