Thomas Verleni

He was born in Jamestown, New York on July 30, 1930, where he grew up and attended Jamestown High School. He was very active and excelled in sports. He went on to pursue his dream to become a physician by attending the University of Akron for his Bachelor’s degree and Kent State University for his Masters Degree and finally Kirksville College of Medicine for his Doctorate degree. He specialized in Radiology.

After completing his education, he practiced as a radiologist at Flint General Hospital in Flint, Michigan for 33 years where he advanced to head of the Radiology Department. He was very active in the medical community and was elected to be President of the Genesee County Osteopathic Association. He loved his work and was loved in return by his associates and patients.

Upon his retirement, Thomas and his wife moved to Naples, Florida in 1992. He loved the beautiful Naples area and spent time traveling, especially cruising, to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Greek Islands. He loved talking to people and never met a stranger. He was proud of his Greek and Albanian heritage and especially enjoyed speaking his native Albanian language to fellow Albanian friends.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Norma Verleni. He is also survived by his daughter, Khristine Pratt and her husband Bruce, of Hawaii, and his stepchildren, Shelley Spedowske and husband James, of Big Rapids, Michigan, Brett Bignall, of Naples, Florida, and Brandon Bignall and wife Carrie, of Charleston, West Virginia. He also leaves behind a sister, Agnes Spiro, of Cleveland, Ohio and a brother, Nickolas Verleni, of Jamestown, New York. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Vangel Verleni and Gus Verleni, both of Jamestown, New York.

Thomas was a wonderful and loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends.

His life will be celebrated on Thursday, March 27th, 2014, 2pm, at Hodges Funeral Home, 525 111th Avenue N., Naples, Florida. His body will be transported to Lakeview Cemetery in Jamestown, New York for burial.

His family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to Avow Hospice for their attentive and devoted care during his final days at the Hospice House.