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BORN
1957
DIED
2024
Thomas Kristek Obituary
He was born on April 2, 1957 in Binghamton, New York. He started his long swimming career at the Endicott boys club and graduated from Johnson City High. After graduating from Binghamton University in 1979 Tom joined IBM in Kingston, New York. His job led him back to Endicott where he met his wife Ann. Together they moved to Boca Raton, Florida and finally Austin, Texas where Tom retired in 2019 after 40 years with IBM. He was a dedicated masters swimmer, soccer fan and music lover, known for his many punk rock t-shirts.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Anne Kristek and Aunt Marilyn Ryan. He leaves behind his wife Ann Gleason, sons Ryan and David, his brothers Robert Jr. (HuiSuk) Kristek, Steve (Kathy) Kristek; sister Marilyn (John) Niland and many nieces and nephews.
Tom will be deeply missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Kristek
Dick Worrel
February 10, 2025
I used to swim with Tom at The Courtyard years ago. I really enjoyed working out with him. I just found out that he passed away last October. I want to express my belated condolences. Even after we went to different master's teams I would see him at a meet from time to time. I miss our time together. I will be thinking of Tom when in the pool
Ken Polleck
October 30, 2024
We miss you Tom, and I wish I had connected with you at any time over the past 10 years.
Tom gave me what was the best advice I received in IBM. I remember him calling me when I was in a hotel room on business in Atlanta, sometime in November, I believe, of some year. He told me that my work on WebSphere Portal would be moving to Lotus (for me, from ISSW to ISSL) in the next year, and, while he couldn't change that, he gave me a few pointers on some "bargaining" or "negotiating" thoughts on where my team and I would end up in the ISSL organization.
That was great advice, and I know my IBM career benefitted greatly from it. Thank you, Tom.
Bill Matthews
October 22, 2024
I met Tom, on I belive Monday June 7 1979 in IBM Kingston. Our first day of work for IBM. I was his cube mate for about 2 years. We shared a lot of laughing at work and after work. We played on the same softball team before he moved to Endicoot. I don't recall him being one of the better softball hitters! He and I and Matt and Frank all went to the Big east basketball tournament in Providence Road Island around 1981, and we created this crazy work related song on the ride over, using the Beverely hillbillys melody as a back ground. At the hotel we snuck down to the indoor poos at hotel at midnight for a swim. He still drank beer at the time and I recall, getting him to hand out fake pamflets to people, while telling them he was running for Govenor. He and Ann joined us up at Big MOose lake in the early summer, along with about 15 friends in a single camp house. We play Twister on the dock where the object was to "accidently" lean in a direction and have someone fall into the water. Played Spud took the boat down to the bars at night, ran into a flock of ducks at full speed with Tom sitting in the front and getting hit by the ducks. The Glenmore bar is still there but the Big Moose Inn hotel/bar, burned down. Oh and the hearts games and the floor stick hockey games. I have so many great memories of Tom. Ann and family so sorry for your loss. Ann if you want I probably have a few photos of Tom at the lake that I could send to for the Kids to remember their father in his 20's. Text me at 303 827 9547. Bill Matthews
Sree Ratnasinghe
October 18, 2024
Tom , you will be greatly missed. Tom was the proponent of technical talent in Lab Services. He was a fearless leader who cared fiercely about people. A man of few words sometimes but always great words. Whenever I would go to see him in his Austin office I was ready to see greatness and knew I would walk away with sound advice. Tom personified discipline and fitness by starting his day at 5 Am or earlier with a swim or coaching . He then brought that same intensity into work. Tom took a bet on a working woman who was going through the transformation of motherhood , had patience, invested in me and found me a part time job in consulting after my maternity leave. I probably would not still be in the workforce today if not for his belief in me and his advocacy. I am just one of so many whose careers he impacted. RIP, Tom.
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Mark Roberts
October 17, 2024
Tom was a calming influence on me. For a decade we sat near each other. I could easily overreact to work BS, and he'd listen, be sympathetic, give me a few calming words, and a final glance that told me to pull up my big boy pants and to get back to work.
Tom had few things to share with me about his personal life, but when he talked about his family, it was always with reverence and love.
I am a better person for having known Tom. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Karen Jeffries
October 18, 2024
Years ago, Tom was always a pleasure to talk with -at our masters swim team practices. He was a gentle soul, very supportive & friendly. He was an amazing athlete & I'm so sorry to hear about his passing. His family is in my thoughts & prayers.
Ed Bryan
October 17, 2024
I had the pleasure of working with Tom for many years. He was a valued colleague and someone I trusted deeply. His sense of humor could always make our conversations that much more enjoyable. Tom and I traveled to some great locations on business, but he was always willing to make time to see some of the sights. I will remember our trip to the Great Wall and trying to stop him hanging from a tuk-tuk to take pictures as cars and motorcycles flew by. I'm truly sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with Ann, his two sons, and his family at this very sad time. Rest in peace Tom.
Ed.
Guy Hochstetler
October 17, 2024
Tom truly cared about each of us, his IBM team, as individual humans. He led us with a humble manner that we all admired, appreciated and respected. While he will be missed it's upon us to pay forward the wonderful characteristics we learned from Tom.
David Gaertner
October 15, 2024
I'm going to listen to Rage in the Machine in your honor. Never would have listened to that stuff if you hadn't mentioned it. It surprised me how quiet and calm you were compared to the music you listened to. Better to get your rage out listening to music than reacting to the bozo upper-management decisions you helped me deal with when I reported to you in -----------. What a great example and mentor you were. Rest in peace (or loud music or whatever you want - you deserve it).
Owen Cline
October 15, 2024
I met Tom in 1998 when we started to work together.
Tom was always a great person to work with and converse with.
I am really saddened by this news.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Best regards,
Owen Cline
Keys Botzum
October 15, 2024
I worked indirectly for Tom at IBM for about a decade. Tom was a steady hand, a good person, and a fine leader. I sincerely liked Tom and while we didn't talk directly often, I valued my time with him.
I will share one story that profoundly impacted me. At some point in my IBM career I was slowly becoming overwhelmed because I simply took on too much. I'll never forget (I tell this story frequently), Tom pulling me aside at an IBM conference and after some pleasantries, he looked me in the eye and said "learn to say no." It sounds like a small thing, but it was hugely helpful. It gave me the power to say "no." I'm better and happier for it. Thank you Tom. You will be missed by so many.
Ken McCauley
October 16, 2024
I had the great fortune of being a friend of Tom's across my 35 years at IBM. We worked together in Endicott early in our career, attending 'New Manager Training' together, and would get the chance to work together in the Programming Tools organization (where Tom led the Object Oriented Technology Center), and later on the WebSphere team, where Tom famously stayed up all night and had a 4-shot expresso at 'Cup of Joe' to build a proposal for a consulting services team which would become IBM Software Services for WebSphere (ISSW). Tom was an amazing person, he had the capacity to care about everyone and everything with such passion and focus that he had an impact on everyone. He cared about everyone's health, encouraging people to exercise and eat healthy, leading by example by swimming or biking every day. He was a vegetarian before this was very popular and he would eat soda and chips for meals when there were few vegetarian options. He had a huge impact on the careers of many of the folks who worked for him, an advocate for promoting the best and brightest, while paying no attention to his own career. He was always finding the humor in situations and was able to find movie quotes or song lyrics to fit every situation. He was counted as a trusted and caring friend by many through the years, he was the best friend many people had, and all of us will think fondly of the great times we shared with him. My thoughts are with Ann and his sons. Rest in Peace Tom.
Bala Sivasubramanian
October 14, 2024
I was fortunate to know Tom Kristek for several years while working at the IBM Austin Campus. He was a kind and supportive friend, and his mentorship was invaluable whenever i faced problems in my life. His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him. His kindness and wisdom will never be forgotten.
No matter what weather is "He goes for swimming everyday before coming to work ".
I miss lunch table discussion @ IBM Austin Campus which is still in my memory !!
RIP Tom
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