Thomas William Cubelic

COLUMBIA - Thomas William Cubelic, 91, passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at Providence Hospital surrounded by his family after battling Parkinson’s disease for nearly 30 years. Born September 11, 1923 in Pittsburgh, PA., to Thomas and Anna Cubelic, immigrants from what would become Croatia. Tom graduated from Shaler High School in 1942 where he was a very competitive athlete, especially in basketball. Shortly after finishing high school, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 19. He served in the Pacific theatre as a supply officer, trained as a 40mm gunner and earned the rank of Second Class Petty Officer. He was honorably discharged from the Navy March 31, 1946. Upon returning from World War II, Tom married Sylvia Dorothy Petok on December 12, 1946 and spent the next 69 years with the love of his life. Tom and Sylvia met prior to the war at a North Park lodge in Pittsburgh when he asked her to dance. For the rest of their lives, they danced together, bowled together, went to the drive-in together and traveled across the southeast watching their children compete in various sports, together. Tom worked for Taylor Wine Company, which became a part of the Wine Spectrum of Coca Cola, for more than 30 years and moved to Columbia, South Carolina in 1967. When he wasn’t working, Tom took great pride in showcasing his various vintage cars at Columbia Country Club where he was a member for 38 years. He loved playing golf and enjoyed spending weekends on the course with his family and friends. One of his fondest memories was having the opportunity to play in a member-guest at Latrobe Country Club where he met golf legend Arnold Palmer. He and Sylvia looked forward to spending an April weekend each year at Augusta National attending The Masters. The secret to Tom’s vitality and longevity more than likely stems from a brandy Manhattan shared with friends each evening, even when he traveled far from home. He dedicated his life to and loved nothing more than family dinners, gatherings and reunions. He looked forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas with them and always enjoyed and ensured laughter. Tom and Sylvia have been members of St Joseph Catholic Church in Columbia for over 45 years. Tom dedicated his retirement to spending weekends with his grandchildren; attending plays, concerts, football, baseball and basketball games. Family was his number one priority in life and the greatest pleasure he enjoyed was sitting down with his children and grandchildren at the dinner table. Tom is survived by his wife, Sylvia; their sons, Thomas John (wife, Cathy), John Charles (wife, Leslie Riley, deceased; fiancée, Cary Bowen Thorpe, deceased); their daughter, Mary Anne Grant (husband, David); as well as their five grandchildren, Cole (wife, Katherine Pettey), Brie, and John Cubelic, Barrette and Connor Grant; and great-granddaughter, Katherine Cubelic. He is preceded in death by a brother, Charles Cubelic and his sisters, Anna Cunic and Mary Garvey. A Mass of Christian burial for Tom Cubelic will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Columbia. Immediately following, Tom will be laid to rest with military honors in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to National Parkinson Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.