Thomas Patrick Tarpey

October 24, 1948

January 11, 2017

Thomas Patrick Tarpey, 68, of Sparks, Nevada passed away on January 11, 2017 after waging a valiant battle against Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Tom, lovingly nicknamed "T.P." by his family, was born in San Francisco, California to Martin F. Tarpey Jr. and Patricia (Davidson) Tarpey on October 24, 1948 and moved with his family to Carson City, NV in 1958. He loved his childhood years growing up in the Capitol City. Tom attended St. Theresa's Catholic school and graduated from Carson High School in 1967. He joined the United States Navy upon graduation where he served on the U.S.S. Yorktown aircraft carrier from October 10, 1967 to March 25, 1970 when she was decommissioned; after which he served on the USS Ticonderoga until his honorable discharge in January 1971. During his stretch on the Fighting Lady, he was part of the celebrated recovery of the Apollo 8 command module, which was the first to orbit the moon in 1967. During his tour, he served our country in Vietnam and was a true patriot. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Tom worked as an Offset Printer for The University of Nevada-Reno for 30 years. He was also actively involved with the Kiwanis Sunrisers of Reno and volunteered with the Special Olympics in 1988. Tom had a huge heart and always thought of others before himself. He will be remembered for his unbelievable sense of humor complimented by a cheery and distinct laugh. His impression of Inspector Clouseau and the three stooges were hilarious. Tom will be remembered for his love of music, particularly The Beatles, he was an accomplished guitarist and vocalist. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

Thomas Patrick Tarpey is survived by the love of his life, Pamela Anderson; his mother, Patricia Holub; son, Patrick A. Tarpey (Jenell); brother, Michael F. Tarpey (Margaret); sister, Terri L. Srch; three granddaughters, Kerri, Kristina and Teylar; several nieces and nephews and his extended family at Rainbow Bend. He was preceded in death by his father, Martin F. Tarpey Jr. and step-father, Francis X. Holub.

Funeral services will be held at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, 3000 N. Lompa Ln., Carson City, Nevada on February 11, 2017 at 1:00 PM followed by a luncheon and Celebration of his Life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Kiwanis Club of Reno Sunrisers, P.O. Box 20847, Reno, NV 89515.

Many thanks to Craig Conrath, M.D., Renown Institute for Cancer - Infusion Center and St. Mary's Hospice for their kind and loving care.

"I look at you all

See the love there that's sleeping

While my guitar gently weeps."

-George Harrison

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader from Jan. 29 to Feb. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Tarpey

9 Entries

Linda Bailey

December 7, 2019

On behalf of my daughter, Jennifer, Tom's niece, and who preceded him in death by only a few days, spoke lovingly of Tom on many occasions. Although she did not see him often, she seemingly enjoyed his company and I am certain she would be saddened by his death.

Teylar Tarpey

April 22, 2017

Grandpa TP was a wonderful person he was also a wonderful wonderful family member. His granddaughter Teylar tarpey

Teylar Tarpey

April 22, 2017

You are a wonderful person we all miss you we think about you every day grandpa tp. Your granddaughter
Teylar Tarpey.

Daniel Keating

February 7, 2017

My fond memories of Teep go back starting from when we were both 11 year olds-

Chief among them-
--Teep initiating me into the sport of water skiing by "sling-shotting" onto the beach at Lake Lahontan.
-- Teep offering me comforting words after the untimely demise of my pet chipmonk, Alvin.
-- Teep getting strangled by the "Mongolian Stomper" during a tag team, pro-wrestling match in Reno. (I thought I was next).
-- Teep and I simultaneously, accidentally, blasting the radio antenna off of a friends new Ford pickup with our 12 gauges while hunting jack-rabbits from the bed of the pickup.
-- Teep demonstrating his latest guitar riffs and vocals with his vintage Fender Stratocaster guitar while we smoked Marlboros in his bedroom at the Holub residence. Wheels", "Apache", "Hot Rod Lincoln", and "G-L-O-R-I-A" were among his best.
-- Teep instructing and helping me spit-shine my new Army ROTC uniform shoes right after he completed his Navy boot-camp. (They were the shiniest shoes in the entire ROTC brigade).

Teep will definitely be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him!!!

My condolences to Pat, Teri, and Family.

Sincerly, Daniel Keating

Jane Davison

February 2, 2017

My sincere condolences to the Tarpey family. Tom will be missed.

January 30, 2017

My deepest condolences to the Tarpey Family. Tom always made me laugh, he was a great soul. I hope he is dancing a great irish jig in heaven. God Bless. Phil and Louisa

jim schneider

January 30, 2017

Please accept our sincerest condolences on your loss of Tom.
There are many fond memories of working with Tom at UNR and our annual camping trips. Many of those memories are quite humorous and some a little dangerous. Tom will be greatly missed. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers

Jim and Martha Schneider

January 30, 2017

We will deeply miss you; you always made all of us feel welcomed in your life!
John B Allen & Gloria Van Hook

Patrick Tarpey

January 29, 2017

The most wonderful memories I have of our time together, will hopefully get me through. No words can say how just much I miss you. I miss your laugh, and I miss your smile. As I strum your guitar a while, and cherish all that we had, may you always know how much I love you, Dad.
-Your loving Son.

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