Thomas Joseph Rogus

He was born in Meriden on November 23, 1961 (Thanksgiving Day), a son of the late Walter and Marylin (Gullen) Rogus. He lived most of his life in Wallingford CT, until he relocated to Florida in 2016.

Thomas graduated from Mark T Sheehan High School and worked in the restaurant industry as a Sous Chef and Cook in many well-known establishments in CT which included, Yankee Silversmith, The Cabin, Westbrook Lobster, San Souci, Cheshire Academy and 500 Blake Street.

Thomas found the greatest joys not in material possessions but the simple pleasures of life. He lived a life unburdened by complexity and a man of unadorned taste. He found profound richness in simplicity and understood that the true treasures in life are the love and bond of family. Thomas loved his family very much.

Thomas enjoyed fishing, hunting and woodworking. All traits his beloved father taught him.

He also inherited Mom's cooking spirit; the kitchen was his domain and his joy.

He is survived by his loving twin sisters, Dianne R Shackett and her husband Ned of Wallingford CT and Susan R Gagliardi and her husband John of North Stonington, CT, his nieces and nephews, Vanessa Diaz-Valencia and her husband Sergio, Melanie Brennan and her husband Kyle, Rose Reynolds and her husband Les, John Gagliardi Jr, and his wife Lauren, Matthew Gagliardi and his wife Kelsey, Adam Shackett and his wife Alicia, Timothy Gagliardi and his wife Danielle, Rachel Rogus and Alison Rogus, an Aunt, Judith Granoth of West Haven CT, 5 great nieces and 8 great nephews, several cousins; his landlords that became his family in Florida and cherished good friends Charlie and Sue Edwards of Umatilla.

He was predeceased by his brothers Walter F Rogus and Richard R Rogus and his nephews, Luke F Rogus and Colin Rogus.

Thomas was in and out of hospitals for multiple surgeries and in rehab facilities for just under 2 years. He needed to gain physical strength in order to get him back to the home he loved. All he wanted was to “go home.” In reality our beloved brother is “home!”

In loving memory of Thomas to honor his life, the family asks that you plant a tree, a simple gesture to symbolize strength, renewal and the continuation of life.

Burial Services will be private.