Thomas Spicer Eichelberger III

Thomas Spicer Eichelberger III (“Tom”) departed this life on Monday, August 14, 2017, in Sarasota, FL. Tom is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mary Jo by Eichelberger (“Jo”, nee Cunningham), formerly of Mannington WVa.

He is survived by his four children: Jane Krayesky (John); Thomas S. Eichelberger IV (Marsha); Nelson Eichelberger; and Nancy Sullivan (Gary, who passed away on May 19, 2017).

His grandchildren are: David Krayesky, Daniel Krayesky (Debbie and great grandsons Michael and Marcus); Ashley Winklbauer (Jason and great grandsons Spicer and Mahlon); and Gabrielle, Rebekah, David (Karyme, and great granddaughter Elena), Thomas, Haleigh and Mary Grace Eichelberger. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and his loving caregivers, Cynthia Henry, Addie Miller and Lindsey Palumbo, of Sarasota. His devoted cat, Lewis, will live with Jane and John.

Tom ended a long, well-recognized technical career as the Chief Consulting Engineer for Structures and Dynamics at the General Electric Co., Aircraft Engine Business Group in Cincinnati, Ohio. Previously, he taught at both The Johns Hopkins University and Lehigh University.

Tom and Jo enjoyed life in Sarasota as snowbirds wintering on Siesta Key for many years before becoming full-time Florida residents in 1996, first on Siesta Key and then at Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club. They were avid golfers and enjoyed a lifetime of playing golf with each other in partners play and in their respective golf leagues.

Tom and Jo were married December 27, 1947 following an historic blizzard; so enjoying the warm weather year-round was one of their great pleasures. And they maintained their love of the beach with sand in their shoes for their entire lives.

Arrangements have been made for a “Celebration of a Life Well Lived” Memorial Service beginning at 11AM on Friday, September 8 at the Wiegand Brothers funeral home, 7474 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. We welcome Tom’s friends and neighbors at the celebration. Following the service, the commitment ceremony with full Naval military honors will take place at the Sarasota National Cemetery at 1:30pm.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers a memorial contribution be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238 or to the charity of your choice. General Electric Co. participates in a matching gift program; employees may have their gifts to Tidewell Hospice matched by the company, visit TidewellHospice.org for more information.

Arrangements under the direction of Wiegand Brothers Funeral Home, SARASOTA, FL.