Thomas O. Argenta

Thomas O. Argenta, 84, of Columbus, died unexpectedly of a ruptured aortic aneurysm on Saturday, January 9, 2016. He was born September 22, 1931 in Warwood, West Virginia to the late William and Anna (Turkaly) Argenta. After graduating from Wellsburg High School, he served his country in the U.S. Army achieving the rank of 1st Lt, Chemical Corps. He earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from West Virginia University.

Tom’s entire career was spent with American Electric Power. He was first hired as a test engineer in Moundsville, WV where he met and married Dorothy Fox. One year after marriage he was asked to move to company headquarters in New York City. He was transferred next to Canton, Ohio and finished his career in Columbus in October 1991 as Assistant Vice President of Nuclear Engineering.

Tom was an avid reader, bridge player and sports enthusiast (whether coaching his children's teams, playing tennis or beach volleyball with family and friends, or watching his beloved Steelers). After retirement, he spent twelve years as a Meals on Wheels and food pantry volunteer. He enjoyed woodworking and spent many hours creating beautiful gifts for family members. He loved to travel with his wife and to enjoy the beauty of nature, and especially to visit his children and grandchildren.

Tom is survived by Dorothy (Fox) Argenta, his loving wife of 53 years; children, Joan (Tom) Kress of Milwaukee, WI, Bill Argenta of Summit, NJ, and Paul (Sara) Argenta of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren Allie, Megan, Tom, Ben and Michael Kress, Abby, Sam and Luke Argenta; and siblings, Dolores Antigo and Donna Lyons. Tom is preceded in death by his sister Noreen Mechling. He is also survived by many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Friday 3-6 p.m. at SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, 6899 Smoky Row Road, Columbus. Family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 9:30 – 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers memorials to the National Park Service at nps.gov, Alzheimer's Research at alz.org, or to St. Peter Catholic Church would be greatly appreciated. Visit www.schoedinger.com to send online condolences to the family.