It is with great sadness that I inform you all that Tom passed away at 10:30am Wednesday August 26, 2009, six months before his 50th birthday. He fought a brave battle against his head/neck cancer to the end. Our son, brother, cousin, uncle, nephew, co-worker and friend will be greatly missed and in our hearts forever.
After a couple of weeks trying to manage his recent symptoms, Tom agreed to be moved to the Forbes Hospice care center in Pittsburgh, PA this past Friday. We had hopes of improving his recent symptoms. He was alert and coherent. His decline began on Sunday ... all the nurses, assistants and volunteers at Forbes Hospice did a wonderful job in keeping him comfortable. He was responding to those around him until Tuesday morning when the doctor informed us that he was in the final stages. Tom was comfortable and at peace as he took his last breaths of air on Wednesday in the presence of his loving and devoted father, Ted Kokoski.
Funeral arrangements are being made today and will be posted on this blog later this evening.
Thanks again to everyone for their support.
Love ... Cathy
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4 comments:
I'm deeply sadden by this news. Tom will forever be a rememberence in the POC office in Phoenix. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friend, loved one, co-workers, and family. May God be with you during this difficult time and comfort you with your healing.
Teresa Pisano
Phx-POC
To Uncle Ted and Cousins Karen, Cathy, Teresa and families -
We have all been blessed to have our lives touched by Tom's - His sense of humor, can-do attitude, and pride in himself and heritage will always be remembered in my heart and mind.
Upon hearing of Tom's passing today, one of the first things to come to mind was the poignant message from the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life",(from Clarence, the Guardian Angel):
"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
My deepest sympathy to all.
With Love,
Cousin Gregg
I am so sorry to hear this news. He was a wonderful person and fought a courageous battle. Cancer is a wicked thing and he will be sadly missed. I pray for your father. I know it can't be easy to see your only son pass. God bless all of you.
Jennifer Gibbs
My deepest sympathy to the family of Tom on His passing. Although I didn't know Tom personally, I did have Tom and his Father on a flight from PHX-PIT, more than likely on his way Home. Having lost My Mother recently, I can clearly identify with the pain and anguish you went through and the loss your Family has suffered. My heart goes out to Tom's Father who obviously bared this struggle/illness EVERY Step of The Way.
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