Thomas Dennis Leyman

Thomas Leyman, 84, passed away on June 12, 2025. Born on New Year's Day in 1941 in Toledo Ohio, his love of classic cars started early. He had a ‘56 Mercury in high school and formed a car club with his 3 buddies called the "FOUR POTS". He owned many classic cars through the years and formed the "Black Swamp Cruisers" classic car club – which, at one time, had over 100 members. They presented at many car shows and exhibitions throughout the Toledo area. When he retired from Toledo Powertrain and moved to the Belleair area in 1994, his love of autos continued; he helped restore another 56 merc-purple and yellow he called “Land Shark". He displayed at many shows, but most fondly at the old 50s Beach Diner in Clearwater. Shows ended when it was torn down for the roundabout.

Community service was not on his mind then, but when he saw a pelican caught in a fishing line at the Belleair Causeway, he felt he had to help. He was told he needed authorization and training to help regularly. He quickly joined the Pinellas Co. Park Dept’s Volunteer Service program. While working at Taylor Park he planted trees, collected trash from the water in a rowboat, and even helped repair a broken concrete curb on the Causeway.

Later, he worked for the Saint Petersburg/Clearwater area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Stationed at the Vinoy Hotel, he helped tourists with questions and advised them of points of interest in the area.

When his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes were in the final four at Tropicana Field, Tom was already there… wearing the volunteer host’s splashy Hawaiian Shirt while escorting spectators to their seats and greeting VIPs at the side door.

But the outdoors beckoned once again, and he signed up for training as a Pinellas Co Volunteer Park Ranger. He bicycled the trail and drove each day - keeping watch over all the county parks up and down the coast of our area.

As the year 1999 - 2000 turned over, he was at Sand Key Park watching over all the festivities with the lighted sand sculptures. When a beautiful 1966 GMC Pumper fire truck popped up for sale, Tom quickly bought it. Luckily, it just barely fit in his garage at home. A lifelong dream of being a fireman actually came true when he learned there was an Indian Rocks Fireman’s Association he could join. He took tests, completed training, and was outfitted with full gear to participate in many runs/emergency reenactments.

He was elected president of the association and served 2005-2006. As president of the Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue, he was instrumental in helping provide food and other aid to Calvary Episcopal Church, Christ the King Church, toys for children campaign, and many other programs. He used his firetruck - filled with family - for many local parades/events and used it to appear as Santa Claus.

When the volunteers were disbanded, he volunteered at Holiday Inn Harborside as a security guard working several seasons greeting snowbirds from around the country.

Tom is survived by his wife of 38 years, Vinciene - she was by his side through many of his adventures; and sons Thomas II, Brian, Michael; and daughter, Jacqueline. He has four grandchildren, Josh, Jacob, Jason, and Kendra, and three great grandchildren.

His strength and determination provided the backbone of his family and he will be greatly missed. Friends and family look to the heavens now and pray. “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”

Private internment by Serenity Gardens memorial Park at a later date