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Thomas Decourcey Obituary
Thomas J. DeCourcey Naples, FL
Thomas J. DeCourcey, 54, of Naples, passed away peacefully, January 30, 2011 surrounded by his family.
He was born in Chicago, IL, son of Thomas and Bernice DeCourcey. Tom had a natural gift and passion for music, playing his trombone and touring the country with Sly and The Family Stone, The Temptations, and The Four Tops. He also played with Elvis Presleys' Band, Johnny Mathis, Chita Rivera, Rita Moreno, as well as many other well-known artists. Locally he played with Alter Ego and the First Baptist Church of Naples. Tom received a Bachelors degree from the University of South Florida and continued his education receiving a Specialist degree in Educational Technology. He began teaching in the Collier County school system in 1986. He impacted the lives of all those he taught and worked with in a very special way.
He was a loving husband for 26 years to Becky Hyland DeCourcey; adoring father of Gloria and Kelly DeCourcey; brother of Lyniece (William) Salvatore, Carol (Thomas) Shinnick, and Richard (Therese) DeCourcey; son-in-law of Gloria Hyland; brother-inlaw of Kieran Hyland, James (Kathe) Hyland, and Brigid (John) Clapper; uncle of many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his nephew, Billy Salvatore; and father-in-law, James Hyland.
Tom will be truly missed by all of those who he touched with his love, laughter, and life.
A special thank you to the medical professionals who helped Tom courageously endure his fight, Dr. Susan Morgan and her "girls," Dr. Shardul Nanavati, Dr. Gail Dolan, and Dr. Paul Jones.
"It's better to have something to remember than anything to regret." Frank Zappa
Services will be held at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 5225 Golden Gate Parkway Naples, FL 34116, on Saturday, February 5, 2011 (TOMORROW) at 1:00 p.m.
A memorial service will also be held at the First Baptist Church of Naples Chapel, 3000 Orange Blossom Drive Naples, FL 34109, on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Tom's name to The Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, c/o John L. Cameron, M.D., Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 401 North Broadway, Weinberg 2242, Baltimore, MD 2123-2410.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Decourcey
Kathleen Sheckler
January 28, 2024
Dear Becky, Gloria and Kelly,
Almost 12 years have gone by and Tom is still missed. I often think of him and how he would have loved Gloria´s babies. Thanks for all the fun and most of all your friendship. Rest peacefully Tom.
Michael Joyce
July 2, 2022
Tom, Thanks for taking such good care of my boys in science class and also as their music tutor.
I miss your stories about touring with Sly and the other bands.
I can´t believe it´s been 11 1/2years since we lost you. You´ve been a terrific father, husband and it was my honor to have worked alongside you.
Tom, you are truly missed.
Rest In Peace my friend.
Barbara Theriault
March 11, 2011
I love you guys!!!! My heart is broken with your loss. It is just TOO sad. My thoughts and prayers are forever with you. Love, Barb & Al xo
February 25, 2011
All my Love. Till we meet again xoxoxo
Becky
February 14, 2011
Our Deepest sympathies to Becky, Gloria and Kelly and the entire DeCourcey family. Can't begin to tell you how my heart broke when learning of this sad news. Tom was part of our "family" on the road with the band One Eyed Jacks in the 80's. We were in the horn section together that drew alot of acclaim. So many great memories of him- his kindness, big smile and creative sense humor. A GREAT musician who touched many with his gift. He was an inspiration to his bandmates, always giving a compliment on a well played part or solo. Frank Zappa was one of Tom's favorite artists. (He had us singing along to "Man From Utopia " for months on end) Life went on for all of us after being on the road and I hadn't talked to Tom for many years. I know it would have been like old times, not missing a beat just to catch up..... I think I speak for all "The Jacks" in saying we'll miss you deeply Tom and " we love ya man"......
Sincerely,
Peter Neumer
Samantha Seekell
February 13, 2011
My thoughts & Prayers go out to Mr. DeCourcey and family. He was one of my favorite teachers in school. You will be missed!
tiffany ryan (druge)
February 11, 2011
i knew of mr decourcey at oakridge middle. this is so sad :( God bless his family.
Meghan (DeFrancesco) Trout
February 7, 2011
Mrs. DeCourcey (Becky) and the rest of the DeCourcey family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. DeCourcey's passing. He not only was a wonderful teacher (at GGMS) but also a great neighbor too (12th AVE NW). Whether at home or at school, I remember Mr. DeCourcey's smile, laugh and sense of humor. Please know that you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Keehner
February 7, 2011
Sweet Becky and girls,
Tom's love for you was extremely evident. I will always remember his hilarious sense of humor and genuine smile. My thoughts are with you.
Linda Haslinger
February 7, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Smith
February 7, 2011
Becky, Gloria, and Kelly,
May you find peace during this difficult time. Tom was such a blessing to all those he met. Prayers are with you.
Dean and Karen Bixby
February 7, 2011
Becky and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May all the wonderful memories of Tom as a husband, father, son and friend comfort you. All of the kind words posted in his memory are testimony to the wonderful person we were all blessed to know. May God be with you.
(cousin) Jean &Tom Grehan
February 7, 2011
We are happy we were able to see Tommy and meet his family Sept. 2005. Last fall when Tommy and I spoke to each other, he mention coming to Jazz Fest. Sorry he won't make it. Our thoughts are with the DeCourcey family.
Traceé Young & family
February 6, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. May God richly bless and give you comfort now and always. I had the privilege of knowing Tom from church orchestra for many years. He was such a great player and so much fun!
Marilyn Spooner
February 6, 2011
Dear Becky and girls,
We are so sorry to hear of your Tom's passing, but thankful to know he is completly healed. Jennifer cried when she called and told me. As Jennifer and I think about Tom we both have special memories of a kind, genuine, and funny man. What a blessing it's been to know him and be his friends.
The FL EXPLORES! family, from FSU Meteorology remembers Tom fondly, and sends their condolences.
I imagine Tom is playing with his special flare in God's Angel Band!
God is with you.
Jennifer (Spooner) Hansen
& Marilyn Spooner
Jo Brisson
February 6, 2011
So sad to hear about Tom, our sincere sympathy. Prayers and thoughs are with all of your family.
Sincerely,
The Brisson Family (Former Turnbury Neighbors)
Julie Rigley-Laliberte
February 5, 2011
My name is Julie (29 yrs old) and I had Mr. Decourcey as my 6th grade science teacher at GGMS. He was the only teacher at GGMS that ever encouraged me and kept my interest in class. I still remember him pulling his trombone out to play for us when we had extra time at the end of class. He will truly be missed!
Nancy Kobel
February 5, 2011
Art and Isend our deepest sympathy to Beck and the girls. It hit me very hard that this happened. Becky, we love you and will be there for you!
With Love,
The Kobel's
February 5, 2011
It's so wonderful to read all of these wonderful tributes to Tommy. Becky, Gloria, Kelly, Lyniece and Family, Carol and Family and Rick and Family - it's a huge loss but what wonderful memories and fun times we all had with Tommy. He always knew how to laugh and have fun and it was always so fun to see him play in bands as he was growing up. He was loved and will be missed by so many.....cousin Norma
February 5, 2011
Becky, Gloria, and Kelly,
I was very sorry to learn of Tom's passing. I know how much John and Jim loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Patti Soldavini
Ernest Cantu
February 5, 2011
My sincere wishes are with Tom's family.I have played with Tom for the past 6 years and it's alwas been an honor to be besides him.Laughed, cried, and been a great privilege to be beside him and played.He has been an inspiration to be with.My prayers are with him and the family.
Erinie Cantu
Olivia (Silvio) Durst
February 4, 2011
I have such wonderful memories of Tom. It was such a joy and blessing to be able to play in the church orchestra with him. He always made me laugh and smile--he always had something witty to say, yet was such a big teddy bear through and through. Tom, you will truly be missed, but definitely never forgotten. My prayers are with the entire family and friends.
February 4, 2011
We wish Becky,Gloria & Kelly our sincere sympathy. With Love, The Leonard Family
Andrea Ragin
February 4, 2011
Becky, Gloria & Kelly,
Very sad to hear Tom lost his hard fought battle with this devasting disease. We will miss his big smile and his sense of humor. Know that his physical presence is gone but he will forever be watching over "his 3 girls".
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Andrea & Bill Ragin -Turnbury neighbors
charles dibiaso
February 4, 2011
My prayers are with Becky , Gloria and Kelly. I always laughed when I was around Tom. And I will miss him and the fun he always provided me when I visited. Chuck Dibiaso Southington ct
Loureen McCormick
February 4, 2011
Thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends. His presence and his music will forever be in our hearts.
Robert Barclift
February 4, 2011
Tom,
We in the Alter Ego Band will miss your big smile and your big play on stage with us. The music in Heaven has just gotten a little better.
Our hearts and prayers are with Becky, Gloria and Kelly. May God bless and keep them through this trying time.
Randy Thomas
February 4, 2011
What a wonder, warm man Tom was! We shall miss him. I'll expect him to show me around the New Jerusalem.
Lisa Wilson & family
February 4, 2011
Becky, Gloria and Kelly, Praying God's peace and comfort for your family. We'll miss seeing Tom playing his trombone in the FBCN orchestra on Sunday mornings - but can't wait to see him playing in Heaven!
Althea Bryant
February 4, 2011
Mrs. Decourcey,
Your family is now, and always has been, in my prayers. You'll never fully know how grateful I am to have had you be a part of my life. To Teach is To Touch Lives Forever - you and Tom have certainly done that and more. I love you!
February 4, 2011
My heart goes out to you and your family.
Douglas Molloy
Cheri Zaks
February 4, 2011
Dear Becky, Gloria and Kelly,
I was heartbroken to learn of Tommy's passing. We sure had some fun times together when our children were young! Much love to you Becky and your beautiful girls.
Cheri Zaks
Maria and Richard Antczak-Harris
February 4, 2011
Rick, Terri and Family,
We are keeping you in our thoughts and our prayers. Even though his life was taken too soon it sounds as though he really lived! Our sincere sympathies to you and your whole family.
Katie Cranor
February 4, 2011
Becky, you may not remember me but I worked for years at GGES, GTE, and in the payroll dept at the Ad Center. I remember how sweet you were and remember Tom as a great teacher to not only my kids but many more. What surprise to see this today.
February 4, 2011
We were so blessed by Tom's music at First Baptist and his warm sensitive ways. I pray for comfort for his family, and we are thankful he is now in the loving arms of his Savior.
Steve and Jodie Donovan
Stacey Olson
February 4, 2011
Tom was a man who had it all. Adventure, talent, a huge sense of humor and fun, and most of all the love of a great family. He will be missed by all and remembered with a big smile. Treasure the memories you had with this wonderful man.
February 3, 2011
Becky, Gloria & Kelly, our hearts and prayers go out to you. We will always remember our fun football weekends in Gainesville. We were reminiscing how Tom would pace back & forth when "his" team wasn't doing so well. Tom was a good friend, father and neighbor. Most of all a good man. He will be missed. The Pacetti Family (Naples, FL)
February 3, 2011
Becky, Gloria & Kelly,
We are all stunned and saddened to hear of your enormous loss. Tom is a wonderful man, husband, father and friend. Our parents loved him and all of you so much. I know they will be there to welcome him with open arms.
If there is anything we can do please dont hestiate to contact us.
All our love,
Joni, Julia & Stephen iadevaia
Joanie Hermann
February 3, 2011
Becky,Gloria,Kelly & family:
I had the honor to meet "Tommy" the first year he was dating Becky. Oh what fun we all had enjoying Tom's music, jokes, and zest for life. I admired Tom for his never ending humor, love of music and how much he cherished Becky, his "girls" and all his family. My family & I send our prayers.
Tommy is with Jesus now, making beautiful music with the heavenly band!
Joanie
Kathleen Sheckler
February 3, 2011
Becky, Gloria and Kelly,
Tom was indeed a special person. He was always able to lighten the mood and show appreciation to those he worked with or taught. He truly was committed to his profession. He loved his family and was always willing to share their accomplishments, showing great pride. Tom was a rare find as a friend.
Carol Bleich
February 3, 2011
Such a dear soul, our Tom! We will so miss working with him in the First Baptist music ministry. One always knew when Tom was in the orchestra...his gift was rich indeed! Our prayers for his girls, all three of them, will continue.
Much love,
Carol and Gordon Bleich
alan saele
February 3, 2011
Becky,Gloria, and Kelly,
Though our years trying to be grown-ups prevented Tom and me from continuing our formative years relationship, I often thought of you folks.
He was always fun to be around. I spent a lot of quality time laughing with Tom. We'll miss him. peace
i'm goona find me a horse....
Kathleen O'Callaghan
February 3, 2011
Mrs. Decourcey, I knew you first at GGES through Mrs. Broccolo, whose class I was a student aide for, and was so lucky to move on to GGMS and have Mr. Decourcey as my 6th grade science teacher. Science was definitely not my favorite subject, but Mr. Decourcey was someone to remember. It breaks my heart to see this now, so many years later (23 years, how could this be?!). But to have so many memories of his corny jokes and musical talents is a blessing. I hope you know how many lives Mr. Decourcey touched :) Peace be with you.
Frank Wiencek
February 3, 2011
Becky, Gloria, and Kelly
I'm so sorry to hear about Tommy. He was a very dear friend and we shared so many good and memorable times together. To many to list here in this box.
He will truly be missed.
February 3, 2011
Rick, Therese and all Tom's family:
Prayers for all of you during this difficult time! May God watch over all of you!
Ruta (friend of Therese)
Diane, Maria & Sherman Wright
February 3, 2011
Becky(Mrs. DeCourcey), Gloria and Kelly,
May you find strength, love, and comfort knowing your family and friends are thinking of and praying for you during this difficult time.
Nealia Bryant
February 3, 2011
My name is Nealia Bryant and Mr D was my sixth grade teacher. I'm now 34 and still remember his infectious smile and great nature. He was an inspiration to me as well as Becky to my sister Althea. My condolences to u and my prayers are ongoing. Nealia Bryant.
Linda Sadler
February 3, 2011
What a wonderful person Tom was...always with a smile on his face that would light up a room....He will be greatly missed. My prayers to his family.
John Soldavini
February 3, 2011
I love you, Uncle Tom. I'll miss the way you made us laugh when we would come by, and visit. I know I will see you again one day, and that this is not a goodbye. I'll see you later.
Keith Mattson
February 3, 2011
I always enjoyed being around Tom. His sense of humor put everyone around him at ease. He could always sense if someone was uncomfortable and went out of his way to lighten the mood. I remember his joy when he would share his daughters’ accomplishments. Tom worried about his girls when they were driving long distances and whenever they were away from home. He beamed with pride when he told about special times, like when he succeeded in giving a special gift or found the best birthday party entertainment (his telling of the monkey story comes to mind). I will miss him. My prayers are with his friends and family.
Barbara Church
February 3, 2011
Becky, you may not remember me but I remember Tom with great affection. We worked together in a couple middle schools in Naples. I was the person keeping everyone in line to speak with our principal, Virgil Morar. When I was elected to the school board, Tom gave me such a heckling about it! He was a very special person to know and will have a lasting legacy with all those whose lives he touched with such humor and genuine caring. We were all fortunate to know, work and laugh with him.
Scott Schnappauf
February 3, 2011
A great smile, an enormous laugh, a profound wisdom, and a genuine caring teacher is what I'll remember most of my friend Tom. Tom loved his family with his whole heart and was tremendously proud of his girls. My thoughts and prayers go to all who grieve his loss.
Frank, Sue, Jessica & Sean Smith
February 3, 2011
Becky, Kelly and Gloria,
Tom was a wonderful person who loved life. His legacy is his beautiful family! We pray that you are able turn your grief into smiles for the wonderful life you shared.
Sybil Ashby
February 3, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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