Thomas Miklos Sr.

Thomas J. Miklos Sr. VIRGINIA BEACH - Retired Cmdr. Thomas J. Miklos Sr., devoted husband and father, died Sept. 2, 2009, in his Palm Coast, Fla., home at the age of 75. Tom was born Feb. 19, 1934, in South Norwalk, Conn., to Joseph and Anna (Pogany) Miklos. He was the youngest of four children. He married Angela Lombardi April 12, 1958, in South Norwalk. The United States Naval Academy conferred a bachelor's degree on Tom in 1957. Prior to admission to the Naval Academy, Tom, a recipient of a football scholarship, attended the University of Connecticut for one year. He earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the United States Navy Post Graduate School in Monterey, Calif. He served 22 years as an engineering duty officer in the United States Navy. His military career included tours on destroyers, an aircraft carrier, shipyard and staff assignments. He retired from the Navy in 1979. In 1981, Tom, as part of a four-person team, founded American Systems Engineering Corporation (AMSEC) in Virginia Beach. While under their helm, AMSEC's success as a small business was featured in TIME (May 5, 1986) and INC. magazines. He worked at AMSEC as a vice president until his retirement in 1989. Tom moved to Palm Coast in 1994 to a home he designed. Throughout his life, Tom was active in church throughout his life from serving as an altar boy as a child to most recently as a Eucharistic minister at Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach, Fla. An avid golfer, Tom was a member of the Matanzas Men's Golf Association. From playing quarterback for Norwalk High and for UCONN to watching college and professional games, Tom had a true love of football. In addition, Tom enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and spending time with his granddaughters. Tom is survived by his wife, Angela of Palm Coast; son, Thomas Jr., daughter-in-law, Catherine (Simmons); granddaughters, Gabrielle and Caitlin; brother, Joseph; sister, Dorothy Roberts, who resides in Virginia Beach. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Veronica Hippensteel. In addition, Tom leaves behind many friends and relatives to cherish his memory. A memorial service will be held at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Virginia Beach, on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House, 150 Memorial Medical Parkway, Palm Coast, FL 32164.