Thomas R. Flockerzi, distinguished Military and Electric Boat retiree, passed away just before midnight on March 14, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Tom fought a brave and courageous battle with cancer, rising to meet the challenge head on, as he did with any other challenges that he faced in life.
He will be remembered and missed by Marlana Flockerzi, his wife of 28 years and his children Carrie and Ashley Federico of Mystic, CT. He also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Richard DeBlacker, USN Retired, of Virginia as well as in-laws Rodney and Barbara Sweet of Florida, the late James Sweet and Melody Atkinson of Mystic, CT. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews; Michael, Richard, Linda, Barbara Ann, Ryan Atkinson, Natalie Bacon, Victoria and Matt Gendron.
Although this lists his immediate family, he also leaves behind many who thought of him as a father and appreciated his honest and straight-forward fatherly advice. Some of his other “children” include; Paul Baker, Jennifer Barry, Charles Comeau, Alison Finn, Steven Martinez, Lexie Roseman, and the many submariners that learned from him over the years. He had a special place in his heart for his “buddy,” Paul Baker, and trusted him with his family, life, and even his beloved tools.
Like his personality, Tom’s priorities were straight forward. He often joked that there would be a “special place in heaven” set aside for all that he endured taking care of and living with his three girls, his wife and two daughters. He had an innate love of animals and a desire to rescue many. His own pets, Baron and Fritz, were rescued from the Groton Animal Shelter. There was nothing Tom would not sacrifice for his “boys.”
Tom was the resident Mr. Fix-It in his neighborhood, often called upon to fix everything from lawnmowers to boats. His generosity knew no bounds. He was the first to help a sick neighbor or anyone in need but he did not hesitate to tell you if you were acting like a “pinhead.” His tough-love approach and larger than life personality made the world a better place while he was in it.
Tom will receive the final honor of a private burial at sea.
Donations toward the cost to help cover the burial can be sent to Marlana Flockerzi at 58 Spyglass Circle, Groton, CT 06340 or donations can be made in his memory to the CT Humane Society (www.cthumane.org).
To share a message of condolence or remembrance with his family, please click the link below.