Thomas (Tommy) Riedel, passed away suddenly on November 29, 2024, surrounded by family members while on vacation visiting family in California. Tommy is survived by his 5 siblings, Patty Overley and husband Glenn, John Riedel, Bill Riedel, Bobby Riedel and Debbie Cameron and husband Rod. He is also survived by his step-daughter Layne Whitacre and three nieces Heather Gray and fiancé Jacob, Dawn Forbes and husband Justin, Danielle Chechile and husband Derek and his six great nieces and great nephew Avery, Giada, Jaiden, Adalyn, Alex and Dylan.
Tommy was born September 12, 1962 in Englewood NJ. He grew up in Fort Lee NJ and went to Fort Lee High School. After graduating high school, Tommy enlisted in the United States Navy in 1982 and was assigned to the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier. After completing four years of service, he left the navy as a United States Veteran.
Tommy worked for several years in the telecommunications industry and then in the mid-1990s transitioned to the medical profession where he became a surgical technician. Tommy had a long successful career working in hospitals in Denver Colorado, South Hampton NY and Brooksville Florida. He was most recently employed at Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, Florida.
During his adulthood, Tommy lived in Southern California, Colorado, NJ and Long Island NY. Since 2017, Tommy had settled in Brooksville, Florida where he could be closer to family. During his time in Florida, he developed a special bond with his nieces, great-nieces and great nephew. Tommy loved his career and often helped many younger coworkers navigate the challenges of the profession. He loved his family and adored his nieces, great nieces and great nephew. If you knew Tommy, you know he had a tremendous sense of humor and even bigger heart. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Tommy often spoke of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It was a charity that touched his heart. Should you want to donate in Tommy’s memory, the family is requesting donations be made to St Jude.