Tom Stern aka “Papa Tom” died peacefully on March 18th, 2024, after 91 remarkable years of life. Born on November 24, 1932 in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Tom went on to follow his dreams of playing baseball, making movies, and becoming a beloved husband and father. He embraced life and love with full-throttled gusto, evidenced by the legacy he leaves behind.
Tom was one of New Jersey’s best youth baseball players. After serving in the army during the Korean Conflict, he was recruited to the University of Connecticut where he was then scouted by Major League teams—including his favorite, the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1956 Walter O’Malley and the Dodgers invited Tom to walk on at Ebbets Field to try out with over 250 others. At the end of the day he was one of two players asked to Spring Training in Vero Beach. When an injury ended his professional baseball career, Tom persevered. He became a Los Angeles legend, playing on club teams throughout the city, coaching Little League, and hitting homers into buildings 400 feet away. He eventually settled in North County, San Diego where his legendary status grew. In 2017, at 85 years old, the La Costa Athletic Club’s Homerun Derby was named after him, even as he still competed in it.
A gifted athlete, Tom picked up surfing at 50 and didn’t stop until he turned 90. His iconic white hair, yellow longboard and yellow van were known throughout North County. At 80, he graced the cover of a local surf magazine.
Tom had a prolific career as an actor, writer and producer, making and starring in cult classics such as Hells Angels ’69, Clay Pigeon, and In God’s Hands. For years, he was the face of Chesterfield cigarettes and acted in classic television shows like Mod Squad, Police Story, and Dallas. His autobiography “Just Lucky I Guess” was published in 2018 and chronicles in short-story format his many and varied adventures.
Tom’s greatest love and accomplishment however, was his family. He is survived by his partner of 34 years and wife Nancy Jean Fisher, his children Nicolas, Jenna, and Cameron; their spouses Mindy Stern and Brennan Brown, grandchildren Isabel, Charlie, and Calla, his ex-wife Samantha Eggar; and he and Nancy's beloved dog, Lulie.
Tom’s memorial services and Celebration of Life will be held on June 2, 2024 at the softball field at Stagecoach Park in Carlsbad, CA.
All are welcome. 💛🤙🏻
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