Thomas F. Gustafson

Gustafson, Thomas F., 82, a legendary South Florida contractor whose catchy television commercial jingle, "TOM GUSTAFSON" became a household tune, died January 7, 2002 in West Palm Beach, FL. Mr. Gustafson, born March 1, 1919 in Haddon Heights, New Jersey, was one of four children born to William Gustafson and Catherine Crawford. He grew up in Ocean City, New Jersey where he began his entrepreneurial career at age 13 selling newspapers on the boardwalk. He graduated from Ocean City high school, Ocean City, New Jersey, where he was a tri-sport star in football, basketball and baseball. He was a World War II veteran, serving with the Army in the Pacific, with participation in the battle of Guadalcanal. Upon return from military service, he married Patricia Carol Otto and they settled in Ocean City, New Jersey. His business career continued with the establishment of Gustafson's Restaurant, which became a Jersey shore landmark for vacationers. In 1947, the Gustafson's became residents of Fort Lauderdale, FL. For 43 years, he and his wife Carol owned and operated Tom Gustafson Painting and Roofing, Inc. with operations throughout the South Florida region. A pioneer in the painting and roofing industry, Tom Gustafson, Inc. became the premiere painting-contracting firm for large industrial structures as well as residential homes. A consummate marketer, his catchy television commercial jingle, "TOM GUSTAFSON" was widely recognized as a classic in advertising. He was also noted for his "Snow White Roofs" trademark. In 1980, he established Tom Gustafson Paints, a paint factory with retail outlets. Michael Gustafson (son) continues his father's entrepreneurial legacy with his own company, Gustafson Industries. Mr. Gustafson's dedication to his children and grandchildren instilled in them a high regard for family and love of education. He and his wife of 52 years raised five children in Fort Lauderdale and were known throughout the community as a close knit family. They were very proud of the fact that all their children went to college and established themselves in the South Florida business communities. Mr. Gustafson was very proud that his eldest son, Tom Gustafson, Jr., served 14 years in the state legislature and became the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives in 1988. He extended his love of children and dedication to sports by becoming one of the first community sponsors of Little League baseball teams, the "Gustafson Painters," at Floyd Hull Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His last sports endeavor was his friendship with and support of legendary Coach Howard Schnellenberger and Florida Atlantic University's first football team. In 1988 he and his wife moved to the West Palm Beach area where they retired. Mr. Gustafson was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Carol Otto, two sons Richard and Stephen and is survived by his children, Katie Gustafson Stephens and Thomas F. Gustafson, Jr. of Fort Lauderdale, Michael J. Gustafson of Boynton Beach and Patricia Gustafson Barr of Wellington, FL, 14 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews throughout the states of Florida and New Jersey. A memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2002 at St. Rita's Catholic Church, 13645 Paddock Drive, Wellington, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407. QUATTLEBAUM-HOLLEMAN-BURSE FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED www.Quattlebaum.org.