Thomas Teshara

1927 - 2017

Thomas Edwin Teshara

Thomas Edwin Teshara, a life-long mentor to young people and their families, passed away peacefully at his home on September 6, 2017 at the age of 89. Jeannine, his wife of nearly 68 years, was at his side.

Tom was born in San Francisco on December 31, 1927 to Ben and Doris Teshara. He later welcomed a brother, Larry. Among other community engagements, the family was active in scouting. At the City's Lincoln High School, Tom lettered in baseball, basketball and soccer. He played professional baseball in 1947-48 for two Pacific Coast League teams. Later he was to manage and coach semi-pro baseball and softball teams. He and Jeannine were married on October 15, 1949.

Living in South San Francisco and working as general manager of his father's Sun Valley Dairy, Tom originated the Pee Wee League, sanctioned in 1962 by the National Baseball Congress. He helped formed Midget League baseball teams for boys graduating from the Pee Wee League, organized an umpire's association, served as athletic director and basketball coach for St. Veronica's School, and directed the local Punt, Pass and Kick program.

In 1966, Tom began volunteering as a recruiter for the United States Naval Academy, a position he assumed as a full-time civilian employee of the Academy six years later. From an office at Moffett Field near Mountain View, he worked to recruit and counsel prospects for the Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, working with teachers, counselors, coaches and principals. He served on the Congressional Nomination Review Board for more than a dozen members of Congress as they considered candidates for Naval Academy appointments. With Jeannine always his supporting partner, they formed the Naval Academy Parents' Club of Northern California. They knew that active family support was an important ingredient to enhance the opportunities for the success of young midshipmen. The club became a model for others throughout the western states, the sphere of Tom's recruiting territory for many years.

For Tom, each person was a unique individual. He took an approach to recruiting tailored to their specific qualifications and circumstances. Through his efforts, over a span of 51 years, well over 1000 young men and women have had the opportunity to attend the Naval Academy and go on to serve at the highest levels of command in the Navy and Marine Corps. Others have gone on to be corporate/civic leaders after their time in the service. Their contributions to our country are Tom's continuing legacy.

Surviving Tom are his wife and life partner, Jeannine, son Steve and wife Penny, daughter Debbie Marrone, brother Larry Teshara and wife Peggy, and grandchildren Nicole Teshara (Craig) and Stephanie McIntosh (Eric). The family wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to all those who have provided care to Tom and Jeannine in the latter years of their life, particularly to Anna and Mark, whose devotion, comfort, and care has been beyond mere words to express.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that anyone wishing to provide a remembrance to please consider making a donation to the US Naval Academy Foundation Tom Teshara Scholarship fund. This fund has been established to provide tuition assistance for candidates with financial needs so they may attend USNA Foundation Prep Schools. The Foundation will provide acknowledgement and a receipt for your tax-deductible donation to the scholarship set up in Tom's name. Donations should be mailed to USNA Foundation A&SP, 25 Maryland Avenue, MD 21401. Please note Tom Teshara's name on your donation check. God bless you Dad, may you rest in peace and in knowing how many people you nurtured and supported throughout your life.