Thomas Newlove

Thomas Newlove
April 30, 1947 ~ January 6, 2015
Sun City West, AZ
It has been said that to everything there is a season. The season of Tom Newlove was filled with love of family and friends, a life lived to the fullest and a heart that gave unconditionally. He possessed a sense of humor and a flair for savoring every moment. He had the gift of truly listening and his twinkling eyes and welcoming smile drew people to him.
Tom was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. As a young boy, he and his friends would hide under the planks of the Santa Cruz boardwalk and look for change that fell through the slats. Years later, he would find himself on that same boardwalk planning special marketing events for the Seaside Company. Tom proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force for four years. He worked with the Red Cross in northern California. He willingly donated his leadership skills to many local clubs and organizations. He was an adventure seeker and truly loved the outdoors. Tom was an avid tennis player, loved a good game of golf with his Sun City West golfing buddies, regularly ran 5K races for charity fund-raising and hiked his beloved Sedona red rocks whenever he could find a spare minute. Tom loved symphony music playing in his car and, much to his children's chagrin, he never missed a chance to make a play on words just to make people laugh. His quick wit made him even more accessible to people. He didn't care that his kids rolled their eyes at his jokes and humor. Instead, the more they protested, the more he joked. One of the things that made Tom so unique was his ability to share himself with others by providing a light moment, sharing one of his many puns or just letting you know that he cared enough about you to make you smile.
Tom loved working with senior adults. He had a gift of making them feel needed and loved and displayed that through his work as Executive Director at Dominican Oaks Retirement Community in Santa Cruz, California, and, most recently, at Emeritus Memory Care Community in Sun City West.
His warmth, hilarious sense of humor and giving spirit will be sorely missed. But they will live on in his treasured children and granddaughter. His legacy will continue through daughter Christi Newlove and much-loved granddaughter, Taryn, of Surprise; son Jason and wife Rowellyn of Surprise and son Evan and wife Amanda of San Jose, California. He also leaves behind loving sisters Sally Davis and Terri Vomvolakis along with many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
Services have been held. If you would like to make a charitable donation in Tom's name, please feel free to send your gift to Benevilla at 16752 N. Greasewood Street, Surprise, AZ 85378.
The seasons of life so fully lived by Tom Newlove will remain with those family members, friends and colleagues that were fortunate enough to be a part of his life. He will not be forgotten…he will be continually celebrated.