Thomas Henry Jackling

Survived by his loving wife, Linda; his children, Roni, Cynthia (Steven) and Christopher (Amy) as well as his siblings Sue, Joanne, Sam (Rosanne) and Donny (Lorraine). He had the love of five grandchildren Adam, Cassandra, Jeffrey, Addison and Will and five great-grandchildren Isabella, Caden, Thatcher, Lawson and Sage.

Tom spent four years in the US Navy where he was an aviation electronics technician. He spent a year and a half in Newfoundland where he helped service the Early Warning System which was set up to detect incoming bombers of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. From Newfoundland he went to Norfolk, Virginia where he worked with a helicopter squadron attached to the USS Randolph. Tom was stationed on the USS Randolph when the ship was deployed to the Caribbean during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Upon honorable discharge from the US Navy, Tom worked for Rochester Telephone Company for almost 30 years. During this time he was a proud member of CWA Local 1170. Tom started as a lineman working his way up to supervisor before he retired.

In addition to a love for his country and family, Tom lived his faith, singing his heart out in the choir and ushering at the church. He also volunteered for the United Way, Meals on Wheels, and the Salvation Army among others. Tom also served as Commander of American Legion Post 113 of Rotonda West Florida from 2008 through 2010 and as a lifetime member of Rotunda American Legion Post 113 Honor Guard.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Tom will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 10am at Faith Lutheran Church; 551 Rotonda Blvd W; Rotonda West, FL, followed by a military service at American Legion Post 113 of Rotonda West, Florida; 3436 Indiana Road; Rotonda West, Florida.

The church service will be available for online viewing at alivingfaith.org/services.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the choir department of the Faith Lutheran Church or to the American Legion Post 113 of Rotonda West Florida.

The Jackling Family sends is sincerest appreciation to the staff at Heritage Oaks of Englewood and Empath Hospice for the loving care they provided to Tom throughout his illness. He joined the angels with a peaceful heart and for this we are forever grateful!