Growing up, Uncle Tommy taught me many things.
1)  What the meaning of the word "rambunctious" meant, especially when it came to my brothers, sister and I;
2) To work hard and play hard;
3) That the "weeds" in our salad really do look like weeds from the side of the freeway;
4) How beautiful the mornings were in Breckinridge when we walked, just he and I, when everyone else was still asleep;
5) The meaning of the word "frugal";
6) That we shared the same dry sense of humor;
7) Friends are gifts;
8) Family is precious;
9) The best is always yet to come;
10) How to laugh from your gut (head back, hand on stomach, open toothy smile, make it loud, make it good).

I will miss our long email conversations.  While infrequent, when we "chatted", it always felt like we just talked the day before.

I love you and will miss you tremendously.
Love, Your Niece

One of Tommy's great gifts was his ability to talk to virtually any and everyone.  His friendly, easygoing manner made you feel comfortable and completely at ease, and that he was genuinely interested in what you had to say.  He had a positive, calming manner that was often coupled with humor and words of wisdom.  

Tommy was a very kind and caring person, with a high regard for his family and friends.  It is no surprise that so many have such a high regard for him.  

He will definitely be missed.

Tommy Tang, head cheerleader at PUHS and probably for the rest of his life. Very happy to see him at a reunion not long ago. So sorry to hear of his passing.  Alice Trujillo Hayden

Tommy was like a brother to my father and for that I will forever be greatful.  He was the sweetest to me and my brother and always greeted us with the warmest smile of anyone I know.  He had the best attitude and loved his family. You will be missed Tommy.

Tommy was one of the most thoughtful person on this face of the earth.   When I visited Phoenix at the age of 16 Tommy was gracious enough to get a bunch of guys to play basketball with me at 5:30 in the morning.   Although I may only have met Tommy a  handful of times he was always honest and generous.   Tommy was my sister's youngest brother in law.   In January 2015,  Tommy was the first to write a tribute to my wife's memorial  website.  My condolences to the family.   May Tommy enjoy the riches in heaven and the  Reunion of his families and friends and my wife.

Tom was one of those very special people and we have all been fortunate to have known him.  Even though I did not see him that often, every time I saw him over the years, it was as if it was only yesterday that we attended Phoenix Union High School.  Tom was a true friend to many and may he rest in peace.

   I've known Tommy since PUHS and kept in touch in recent years via email. Always a great guy to be around and a leader who led by example. I was saddened to hear of his passing. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Tommy.

Tommy definitely made this world a better place, he was committed to everything he did in life, what an inspiration he has been to all who knew him. Tommy you are missed, God speed

I first met Tommy when we both attended Phoenix Union as freshmen.  He was a cheerleader and always had a smile for everyone.  When the Class of 1962 held our 50th Reunion recently Tommy was always willing to help.  May he rest in peace.

I remember meeting Tommy when I was in high school and he was involved in mentoring high school leaders around the local high schools.  Very sociable and fun to be with.  Later,when there were Asian dances (remember Toy's Shangri La?) Tommy would always be on the dance floor.  Quite the dancer!  He will be missed!

From the first time I met Tommy over 50 years ago, I knew he was special, what a lovely person, genuine, caring, happy, kind. He will always remain in my heart, prayers & thoughts. His lovely wife, Josie & kids filled his last years with much love & happiness. 
My Love, prayers, & condolences to his Family

We are so sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. He was a wonderful person.  .  Our prayers are with him that he is now at peace.

Tom,

You were a true and friend and a generous man.   God bless you and your family.

Uncle Tom--Someone who gave so much of himself to helping others whole-heatedly....whether it be family, friend, co-worker, or client.  We all have special memories of how you made our lives better, and how much you made us laugh along the way. 

In one of our last photos together, I  have to laugh once again.  Why are you always surrounded by women?  I hear you say, "because I ain't no dummy....I know how to hang out with the pretty girls!"  

To that, I would say "it's because you are so well loved by us all."

So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. A great person to have worked with.Rest in Peace Tom. A real nice guy, would help you with anything.

So sorry to hear about the passing of Tom and moving to Heaven to live with God! We will miss him here on earth, but will see him again when it is our turn to move on. Tom was a special man a truly a wonderful friend. I went to high school with Tom and served with him on the reunion committee. I am praying for Tom's spirit to rest in peace.

Tommy. You were remarkable at leading the crowd at PUHS in cheers and All that knew you or watched you respected your kindness and enthusiasm. You will be missed

tom is a true and loyal friend who will be missed by all.  I know you are saving a place for us to be together again.  until we are together again, we love you Tom. johnny wing mesa az

So sorry to hear of this great loss. He was a wonderful man, and more so, a wonderful friend of mine. He was always my "go-to" guy when there were problems at DES as relayed by the Ombudsman's Office. I loved meeting him for lunch, and it was always my favorite too... Chinese food. He even took the time to call me at home when he knew I was stressed out. Such a loss. RIP Tom Tang.

Tom was a great person always enjoyed working with he will be missed,

We played basketball with Tommy every Saturday for decades and always had fun. We called Tommy the "Commissioner" as he was the one who always set up our games and kept everyone coming out to play. He always brought the cards! Will miss him.

Tom, my friend, you will be greatly missed.  You always had a kind word, could make me laugh and was always trying to make things better.  RIP my friend.

Tom was a great classmate/friend I'll will remember going to their store Wilson and P.U.H.S.

Tom was a man of strong values. And, he wasn't afraid to tell you what he thought you should be doing (or not doing!). But, above all he had a sense of humor, loved his family, and had a big heart. He will be missed.

Knowing Tommy for over 40+ years, I was sadden to hear of his passing.  Tommy and I were one of the original Saturday morning basketball players who played in the heat of the summer, the mild springs, in the rainy fall months, and yes, even in the winter months, wearing gloves and three layers of clothes.  Basketball was a place where Tommy and the gang shared many happy moments.  As we all got older, each one of us had to decide that our body was at that point that we had to quit; but not Tommy.  He still continued to play until he was the last of the original players.  During our college days, we had several college dances where we all got together and enjoy dancing to soul and 'black' music; no rapping.  One thing for sure.... Tommy could dance and he had that soulful rhythm and he was one who was not bashful asking girls to dance.  Along with Wesley, Victor, Henry, Sisco... Tommy was one of our best defensive and offensive football lineman.  He loved to play tackle football against the other Asian football teams - Phoenix Union, Phoenix College, and the UofA.  Tommy was even good in indoor volleyball.  He enjoyed all sports.  Tommy was our official Powerball ticket buyer and he played a quiet game of poker.  If you ever have a chance to talk to the people who went with Tommy on their trip to Hong Kong and Asia, they can tell you several humorous stories about Tommy and his underwear and his green polo shirt.  Tommy was a great guy, a dependable guy, and a guy who you could 'shoot the breeze' with.  Gonna miss him and I know that he will soon be organizing a basketball game when we all join him in heaven.  See you again, Tommy.

Tom was a wonderful person with a generous heart and soul. He will genuinely be missed. Tom and I co-chaired the PUHS Class of 1962 Reunion Committee together and he tirelessly gave many hours of his time locating and keeping fellow classmates connected through the years. It was a pleasure to be around Tom as he always had a smile and a positive attitude. You will always be in my heart Tom. Thank you for being my friend.

Dear Josie:  Know you will miss Tom greatly as will Jon and the Girls.  He loved and was so proud of you all.  Always speaking highly of the way you took care of him and the things you did for him.  Tom did enjoy his time spent with you.
He will be missed  and know he has a place in Heaven as he did many great works for others.  Because he remains in our hearts; Tom will live in our memories.  Ann Marie Forster (Tempe,AZ)

Tom, you were an amazing guy always willing to lend a hand, There was a special place in Heaven for you, may you rest in Paradise.

Tom and I shared laughter, tears and being Asian.  We always joked around as that is what he loved; humor and good friends.  May my fellow Asian rest in peace and may his family cherish their memories and his endless love for them.

So sorry to hear about his passing. That was one busy man, always had several things going at one time. He was so proud of Josie & Jan and the girls were the icing on the cake. So long Mr. Happyfeet.

So sorry to learn of Tom's passing.  I worked with him for many years... never questioned a re-write like many others.  I am sure his family will miss him immensely.  RIP, my friend... Barbara Chambers (SCW,AZ)

I am really sorry to hear about Tom. He was a great guy. My condolences. May he rest in peace & perpetual light shine upon him

I am so sorry to hear this.  I enjoyed working with Tom at DES.  He had a great sense of humor and was dedicated to his job.  He will be missed by many!

It was a shock to hear Toms passing.  He was a good friend and co-worker.  I miss him.

So sorry to hear about Tom's passing.  Enjoyed working with him for several years. He was such a funny guy.

So sad to hear of his passing.  He was an amazing man. May he rest in peace.

Tom was a co-worker and friend he always had great advise.  So sorry to hear of his passing.  My condolences to his family.  Rest in peace Tom.

OBITUARY

Thomas Tang

29 October, 1944 – 11 May, 2015

Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary & Cemetery

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