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Thomas Savala Obituary
Tom died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 18, 2012.
Tom is survived by his son, Jeff Savala; siblings, Alice Zavolosieck, Robert John (Carole) Savala, Phillip (Chino) Savala, Gloria Eldridge, Edith (Wayne) Roberts, Eddie (Irene) Savala, Rosie (Joe) De La Torre, Joyce (Roy) Revelez, Rachel (George) Trout, Debbie Savala (Ysidro), Uncle Billy Martinez (MaryLou) of Ojai; numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Felipe Savala.
Tom was born and raised in Ventura near the ocean. Growing up he was very adventurous and innovative. He graduated from Ventura High School in 1959 and attended Ventura College.
Tom was very proud of his service in the United States Marine Corps. He owned Gloria's Coiffures in the 1960's and worked for Culver Sign Company.
Tom then went to work for the city of Thousand Oaks. After 24 years with the city he retired as a Maintenance Manager for the Utilities Department Wastewater Treatment Section. He enjoyed his utility job.
He loved a good hamburger, enjoyed surf fishing, hunting and gardening.
Tom loved to travel, visiting Alaska, Mexico, New Zealand, Borneo and Hawaii.
He enjoyed family gatherings and especially barbecuing for family and friends.
Tom touched many lives with his generosity and sense of humor. He was a member of the Ventura Baptist Church.
Thank you Dr. Sheehy, Dr. Barbosa, Community Memorial Hospital Staff, and caregiver, Ludie Santoya.
A special thanks to Maria (Marilu) Torres for the loving care Tom received over the past years of his life.
Visitation will take place Thursday, November 29, 2 until 8 p.m. at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Services will be held Friday, November 30, 10 a.m. at the Ventura Baptist Church, 5415 Ralston Street, Ventura. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura.
Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Savala
Dedee Savala
December 13, 2013
What a wonderful man Uncle Tommy was. He loved his family so much & I always felt loved by him. As all the Savala's do, Tommy made me laugh. Even when he was feeling so ill, he always had a smile on his face. What a guy. He will be dearly missed, but I am certain that we will meet again in Heaven where our Father has prepared a place for His children. Until then...peace & love always, Dedee Savala
Nanci Cartwright
April 8, 2013
I am late finding out of Tommy's passing. Thank you Joyce, for letting me know. Tommy and I had a very special relationship. I could always count on him to see through my BS and to give me a good verbal kick in the pants whenever I tried to get away with something. That was what I missed most as his illness progressed. He stopped giving me a hard time. But I loved him always and I know that he loved me. That's the best thing we can offer one another in life. I'll always remember the Savala brothers competition of who could eat the hottest salsa; I will always remember the absolute exquisite taste that Tommy had in choosing gifts (I used to say that I just needed him to choose my clothes when I went shopping; he knew what looked good on me and could have had a second career as a personal shopper). Tommy was generous, ornery, funny, quick witted, and a wonderful friend to my son. I will never forget him, or his family..the last memory being of that wonderful horseback ride that he and Phil and I took oh so many years ago, and lunch in Ojai. Oh, and I have pictures of when we ran the 5K in Ventura. Tommy beat me by a length, and I always told him that I let him win because he was the man, but the truth was that he beat me fair and square. That's when we were young. I also have a picture of the two of us in Sedona AZ, on my bulletin board at work. I like it because we looked so good then, I enjoyed all the pictures on this memorial site and will always treasure that good looking man with the good looking smile. - Nanci Cartwright
Tony Aviles
January 19, 2013
Hello Jeff, my condolences to you and your family, as a boy I remember your Father to be a friendly and jovial guy. I remember the time he took us up to Oak View to get some jerky. Hope all is well. Your boyhood friend, Tony Aviles
Berta Parada
November 30, 2012
To The Savala Family,
Sorry for the loss of your brother. I did not know Tommy, but if his sense of humor was anything like his brothers, I am sorry I never had the opportunity to meet him. May his memories always remain in your hearts.
November 30, 2012
To the Savala Family:
Please accept my sympathy on Tommy's passing. He was a great person and very funny. Thanks for letting Edith and I borrow your car while you were in the service so that we could get to Ventura College. May you be comforted in knowing that he was loved and cared for by family and friends.
Priscilla Herrera, Oxnard, CA
Tony & Ebelia Moya
November 29, 2012
Our sympathy and prayers to the family.
Cherie Johnson
November 28, 2012
To the Savala family which I was blessed to be part of on many occasions while I was living in California. My fondest memories were of John, Robert, RJ -I still don't know why Robert, Carole's husband, for clarification...which name he prefers to be called by...but I think Tommy always called him Elo, for whatever reason. It was so much fun sitting in Carole and Robert's backyard when Tommy came over there too...the two of them would go back and forth - knit picking each other, making jokes, bantering back and forth. I would laugh so hard that my stomach would be sore afterward. But, you could feel the true love they had for each other under all the fun... I will always remember Tommy as a fun loving, sweet man who loved life and good times. I am blessed having known him and having been a part of his life and his family.
Carole Savala
November 28, 2012
Tommy, you always had a nick name for those you loved. You called me tractor. I will miss hearing you call me that and I will miss your great sense of humor. I will remember you always as the one who thought he could sing. You are now at peace and I am sure you will nick name all the angels. Your sister-in-law
Bench Warmers
Milo Ferro
November 28, 2012
Dear Savala Family,
I will always remember Tommy's great sense of humor and "One-of-a-Kind Laugh!" I have many fond memories of Tommy on the Softball Field, The Bench Warmer, Golf Course and BBQ's! I always knew when The Savala Brothers were arriving you could hear their laughs a mile away, with Tommy leading the way! Keep knocking them out of the park Tommy!
My Sincerest Sympathy to all!
"White Shoes"
BUZZY & VAL BAFFORD
November 28, 2012
TO THE SAVALA FAMILY, WE WISH TO EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES WITH THE PASSING OF TOMMY, WE KNOW ALL YOUR WONDERFUL MEMORIES WILL COMFORT YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME. BUZZY & VAL BAFFORD
Nancy Acosta
November 28, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Our charles Bronson
Rosario Baez
November 27, 2012
We going to miss you Charles bronson, you were very funny, con el corazon te decimos que eras especial, you like to sing Estoy listo si El me llama... ahora sabemos que estas en los brazos de Dios , no more pain now you are resting. we miss you already ... algun dia nos encontraremos en la eternidad... God bleess all your family !!! your caregiver Rosy.
Carl Rodarty
November 27, 2012
I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the Savala family for the loss of thier brother Tom.We miss him at church and breakfast at Hill Street Cafe on Sunday mornings.Tom always had a great appetite and a wonderful personality(especially with the waitresses!)Deepest Reguards-Carl Rodarty and Pretty Baby.
November 27, 2012
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Savala family for the loss of thier brother Tom.We miss him at services on Sunday and breakfast at Hill Street Cafe.Tom always had a great appetite and a great sense of humor.Reguards-Carl Rodarty and Pretty Baby.
Paul & Patsy Rodriguez and Family
November 27, 2012
Savala Family,
Our deepest condolences... May God Bless you. Our hearts and prayers are with you...
November 26, 2012
To the Savala brothers and sisters--
I was so fortunate to know Tommy and to attend many wonderful family gatherings at his home. Our friendship was very important to me--whether we were heatedly discussing politics, local land use issues, USC football, or going out to dinner, we shared some good times. I will remember his graciousness, concern, humor (usually at my expense!), enthusiasm and generosity always.
Rest in Peace, Tommy--you were one of a kind.
Julie Bulla ("Bully")
November 26, 2012
Tommy (like all the Savala's) had a great sense of humor & always made me laugh. He had a special way of making me feel loved. I'm so grateful I was able to know him. He will be missed by so many, but surely is surrounded by those that went before him & were waiting with open arms. God's comfort & peace to all of the Savala Family. Much love, Dedee Savala
November 26, 2012
Tom you are my best friend and mentor i will miss your humor, but will remember you forever.
Sal Vargas
Pal Marquez
November 25, 2012
Tommy (Hey) Bo You were really funny and I enjoyed being around you. I can see you now sitting behind home plate. You were serious and would yell at your brother John to get with it. Hah.
YOU WILL BE THERE WITH GOD.
Ed & Jakki Flores
November 24, 2012
To whole Savala family, know that our deepest sympathies go out to all of you. He was a great and funny person that we both loved.
John Savala
November 24, 2012
Tommy, you reached the mountain top. Now you can rest in peace. Thanks for all the memories. By trusting me to handle your personal affairs, you helped make my life more meaningful. Your Loving Brother, John (ELO)
Simon and Cecilia Camarillo
November 23, 2012
Tommy will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him, we offer condolences to the Savala family. R.I.P. Semper Fi!
Coni Chavez
November 20, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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