Thomas E. Diaforli

Thomas E. Diaforli, 76, of Indianapolis, passed away on October 3, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. Tom was born in Princeton, New Jersey to Nicholas and Doris (Durling) Diaforli on October 13, 1946. He graduated from Salem College in West Virgina with a B.S. in Accounting, where he met his lovely bride of almost 55 years, Susan (Campbell) Diaforli. Tom, a CPA, began his 44-year career of federal service to his country in Washington, D.C. in the General Accounting Office. He moved on to lead auditor roles at the U.S. Mint, Department of Energy, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. He then moved to Indianapolis where he served as a special assistant to the CFO, a director of the National Logistics Center and Seized and Forfeited Property Center for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Tom’s commitment to excellence and passion for sound operating and financial systems led him to a post-retirement role as an advisor to the Government Practice of Deloitte Consulting for the past ten years. Tom received the Sagamore of the Wabash in 1993.

Tom’s passions were many, but his commitment to his family was first. He was an avid Indy 500 fan, happily hosting and entertaining guests and family for a day at the track throughout the month of May. His family nicknamed him the “Ambassador of the 500”. Tom had a commitment to fitness throughout his lifetime and could be seen running the Mini-Marathon and other running events around the country. For 35 years, he fought and survived cancer and was eternally grateful for the love, care, and skill of his doctors and nurses during this battle. He would often bring gifts and lunch to his caregivers as appreciation for their support and would be proud to say that it was not the cancer that ended his earthly life. Tom was a committed Mason, starting his masonic journey at the George Washington National Masonic Lodge in Alexandria, Virginia. So mote it be.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents Nicholas and Doris Diaforli.

Tom is survived by his wife Susan Diaforli, his daughter Christine Lee (Mike), daughter Jill Griffiths (Brian) and his grandchildren Courtney Lee, Caitlin Lee, Vivian Griffiths, and Cooper Griffiths. He is also survived by his sister Gloria Adkins (Dallas) and brother Jim Diaforli (Pam).

Public visitation will be 5 to 7 pm Sunday, October 8th at Crown Hill Funeral Home.

Tom’s celebration of life will be at 11 am Monday, October 9th at St. Lukes United Methodist Church with Pastor Jen Gibbs officiating. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery; lunch will be provided for family and friends attending.

Memorials may be sent to American Stroke Association or Leukemia Lymphoma Society in Tom’s honor.

The family of Tom wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses of the ICU and Palliative Care Team at Community North Hospital. You made Tom’s care a priority. We are grateful.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Diaforli family.