John "Tom" Thomas Kuftic

United States Air Force (USAF) Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) (Retired) John (Tom) T. Kuftic passed away Saturday, Sep 24, 2022. He was born September 18, 1939, at the now defunct Mendenhall hospital in Johnstown, PA.

He is predeceased by his parents John J. Kuftic, Mary Dulick Kuftic Simonetta, infant son Keith Andrew Kuftic, and sister Rosemary Ostrander. He is survived by his wife Nancy Scaife Kuftic, daughter Denise Scearce (Ed), son John (Tommy) T. Kuftic Jr. (Melanie), grandchildren Sarah Linthicum, Alexander Kuftic, Zachary Kuftic, and Connor Scearce. As well as brothers Jim Simonetta, Michael (Helene) Simonetta, and sister, Betty Ann Bush.

After high school, Tom joined the USAF in July 1959 and was sent to Plattsburgh AFB, NY; Tainan AS, Taiwan; two tours at Langley AFB, VA; Andrews AFB, MD; Zaragoza AB, Spain; and Nellis AFB, NV with some short temporary duty visits to bases in England, Norway, Germany, and Panama. Tom retired from the USAF in March 1986 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) while stationed at Nellis AFB, NV. After USAF retirement, he returned to Hampton VA and worked an additional 15 years as a Dept of Army civilian for Security Assistance Training Field Activity at the US Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, VA retiring again in July 2005 with over 41 years combined service.

Tom enjoyed puttering, playing with his Apple computers and gadgets, yardwork, spending time with his family, “watching the news” (napping) and playing with his 4-month Sheltie puppy, Gypsy, humorously referred to as “the hound from hell”.

He will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him. His passing has left a huge hole in our hearts that can never be filled. It is not how you die, but rather how you live, that matters, and he lived a life full of adventure and love; and he did it his way. Mission accomplished!

A visitation for Tom will be held Friday, September 30, 2022 at 6:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666, followed by a celebration of life at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom's memory may be made to Animal Aid Society, 80 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, Virginia 23666 US, https://www.animalaidsociety.org/support/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parklawn-woodfh.com for the Kuftic family.