Thomas Anthony Golis was born in Binghamton, New York to Anthony and Marie Golis on March 19, 1955. He passed away on December 17, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona, following a six-month battle with ALS. Tom’s life included all things active, including multiple marathon races, 2 ironmen events, multiple softball teams, soccer, hiking, skiing, swimming, biking, and kayaking. Tom enjoyed dancing, and along with his wife Aleen, enjoyed many country and western dance events.
Tom graduated as salutatorian from Montrose Area High School in 1973, and then attended Colgate University, majoring in Chemistry. He moved to Houston, Texas where he attended University of Houston Optometry College, coaching girls’ soccer along the way. Following a year of internship in New York at a VA Medical Center, he accepted a full-time position as optometrist with the VA in Hot Springs, South Dakota, from which he retired in 2014 after 30 years. At the Hot Springs VA, Tom held adjunct faculty positions of Houston and Pacific optometry schools. He was a sought-after teacher and mentor in the position of adjunct instructor.
In 1992 he married Aleen Bray and became an instant grandfather to five, and relished the ability to “play with the kids” routinely. Tom loved his grandchildren: Cade, Zane, and Cassie Hengel; Taya Verplancke; and Amber and Colter Smith, and his great-granddaughter, Charlee Smith, held his heart and was very special to him.
Tom is survived by his wife, Aleen; stepdaughters, Judy Verplancke and Jeri Hunter; siblings, Linda Mattern and Gerald Golis; half-sister, Sarah Golis; stepmother, Joan Golis; niece, Renee Robb; and multiple grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; infant brother, Timothy; and grandson, Colter Smith.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom’s memory to the Community of Hope, The ALS Association Arizona Chapter. By mail: 360 East Coronado Road, Suite #140, Phoenix, Arizona 85004. Online: http://alsaz.org By phone: (602) 297-3800
15 Comments To "Thomas Anthony Golis"
#1 Comment By Dan & Diana Edwards On December 21, 2019 @ 12:00 am
Aleen we didn’t realize Tom had been ill. We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. It was great working with him.
#2 Comment By Madeline & Dan Mattern On December 22, 2019 @ 12:00 am
Our sincere sympathy and prayers for you in your loss. May time and memories help you through this period.
#3 Comment By Vicki Dunsmore On December 22, 2019 @ 12:00 am
Aleen, Tom was such a wonderful guy! I really enjoyed working with him at the VA. He was always so kind and did all he could for the veterans. The world will be a little lonelier without him but Heaven will be graced with his presence. God bless you and your family.
#4 Comment By ANGIE LONG On January 6, 2020 @ 12:00 am
Aleen, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Tom. I will always remember him from our work at the VA and enjoying him being on our bowling league for many years. The world has lost a great human being.