Thomas "Coach" Stephen Spack

Thomas Stephen "Coach" Spack, 92, of Tampa, FL, peacefully entered into God's beautiful Kingdom on Friday, August 4, 2023. He was born on January 1, 1931, in Johnstown, PA, the youngest of eight children, to John and Catherine Spack.

Thomas was an outstanding athlete and played football for Bloomsburg University from 1949 to 1951, earning All-American honors from the Associated Press in each of the 1950 and 1951 seasons. He was a key member of the 1951 Bloomsburg University team that went undefeated; this perfect record has stood for 72 years. Additionally, Thomas threw the javelin at Bloomsburg University becoming a Pennsylvania state champion and competed at the famous Penn Relays.

Thomas went on to play football at the University of Tampa from 1952 to 1955 and graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956.

Thomas finished his athletic career playing semi-pro football in the Southern Football League for the Tampa Buccaneers from 1960 to 1962 and the Orlando Broncos from 1963 to 1964.

Thomas taught Physical Education at George Washington Junior High School during his wonderful 36-year career, which began in 1957 and concluded at Monroe Junior High School in 1993. Throughout his career and beyond, Thomas coached, mentored and touched the lives of thousands of children.

On March 6, 1976, Thomas married his beloved Roberta, with whom he recently celebrated their 47th anniversary.

Thomas was a man unlike any other. He was a throwback from an era where God came first, cherishing his family and caring for everyone he came across. Thomas was a "gentleman" in every sense of the word, carrying himself with distinguished grace, true joy and honor. He exuded pure love and always made everyone around him feel so much better and happier when he was amongst them. He loved his family with all his heart and was always present to celebrate his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's special events. Thomas' signature "fist pump" and "hand-held high with the number 1" will always be remembered and celebrated. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Roberta Spack; his sister, Catherine Enderlein; his children, Steve Spack and his wife, Edie of Wesley Chapel; Mike Spack and his wife, Cyndi of Tampa; Cindy Nell (Spack) Baldor and her husband, Javier, of Tampa; Susan (Whidden) Vogel and her husband, Paul of Tampa; Richard Whidden and his wife, Rita of Tampa; Mike Whidden; son-in-law Joel Adler; grandchildren, Stefanie (Spack) Adams and her husband, Joel; Sarah Spack; Joseph Spack and his wife, Amanda; Kathryn (Spack) Brown and her husband, Aaron; Michael Spack; Sophia Nell (Baldor) Kauffman and her husband, John; Nicholas Baldor; Javi Baldor; Justin Vogel; Tyler Vogel; Robert Adler; Gregory Adler; Meagan Adler; Lauren Mullar; Emily Whidden; Anthony Whidden; Andrea Raulerson; and Heather Mendez and her husband, Joshua. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Ellie Rae Brown; Addy and Guy Pomeroy; Anevae, Michias and Esmaeline Mendez; Luke and Adlie Mullar.

Thomas is predeceased by his parents, John and Catherine (Visosky) Spack; his siblings, Frances Hoetzer, Pauline Maron, John Jr., Daniel, Albert, and Robert; his first wife and devoted mother of his children, Nancy P. Brown and daughter Terre (Whidden) Adler.

A funeral mass will be held for Thomas at St. Lawrence Catholic Church located at 5225 N Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614, on Wednesday, August 16, at 12:00 PM (noon). Following the mass, a reception for family and friends will be held at Higgins Hall.

Donations may be made in Thomas' memory to Villa Madonna Catholic School in Tampa or the Salesian Youth Center which is an after school and summer program located on Villa Madonna School campus in the old George Washington Junior High School gymnasium and additional education building.