I too apologize for a late entry. I was shocked to read of Tom's passing but unable to send condolences until now. I didn't know Tom very well, he always was quiet the few times I met him. I worked with Jennifer at the Santa Clara Community Recreation Center and directed Bricken in one of her first plays there (I believe?). I know they both loved Tom very much. I am so sorry that they must continue through life without him, but his presence will always be felt- an artist always is.

I apologize for this late entry into Tom's guest book--I have been out of the country for a month.   I was a student of Tom's for over 5 years and cannot begin to say how much I learned from him.   But even more, how much I enjoyed visiting with him, joking with him, and sharing my knowledge of medicine and Judaism when he wanted to learn about something in either subject.    We had a great time and his class was truly the highlight of my week.   I am still shocked by his death, and I will miss him very,very much.   And I shall never forget him.   He was a wonderful and unique person.   And he so loved Jennifer and Bricken--that we always knew.   
I will treasure all of my memories of Tom and my paintings that he helped me to create.   I'm not sure how I am going to finish the one I am currently working on without his help!   I loved his sense of humor and his warmth.

I've knew Thomas Sparacino for the short period of time, but in that time he was a great teacher and a remarkable man. You will be missed.

Tom - We'll miss shooting with you.  We have such fond memories of you; always a smile and a joke.  The 2009 and 2010 Nationals in Las Vegas are especially memorable.  I think we ate at Applebee's almost everyday!  And, on my birthday you made sure I had that ooey gooey desert!  Yum!  
We are especially glad that we were lucky enough to shoot with you that one last time.  We were honored to know you Tom.  You will be missed!
Your shooting buddies,

Though I never met Tom, I did work with Jennifer at the City of Santa Clara.  Anyone who she loved and cared for that much had to be a great guy.  My sympathies to the family.

Tom was one of a million.  What a terrible loss for all of us.  O, my!  But we have to remember how much he enriched all of our lives.

There are innumerable students among us who, under his direction, went on to award-winning performances, including solo exhibitions, prize-winning juried acceptances, even the inclusion in published collections, and more than a few sales.  

In the 14 years that I was privileged to be a student of Tom's, I can say that he was always the consummate professional.  I did not know what to expect in the beginning, but clearly, he was more than anything I could have expected.  And that included the assessment of my late husband, a professional newspaper reporter, photographer and magazine editor.  He thought Tom was terrific, and he loved coming along for the show in Tom's summer class, "Photography for Painters," or something like that.  We had a lot of good times.

We were not always prepared in our weekly sessions.  He was.  In every class, and in all the sessions I attended, he always provided an entirely new art or watercolor principle.  Extraordinary!

Week after week, he would provide us with a photograph illustrating the principle he wanted us to learn about, a drawing to illustrate an approach to "the problem, and a "cheat sheet" on how we might approach the problem.  I never saw a duplicate!  And I am talking about year after year after year!

As we lumped in, he would appear.  He was not only prepared for his classes.  He also responded to every e-mail I ever sent him,usually quite briefly.  "Do we have a class this week?"  "Yes."

He always wandered among the tables where students were working, and he continually offered suggestions on how to improve a particular painting.  He was always right.  But he was never presumptuous. 

It is shocking that we have lost him so soon.  There was so much he could still have passed on to us.  I hope we told him how much he meant to us.

We tell you instead, Jennifer, Bricken, and family .  Our hearts are broken, as I am sure yours are, too.  We are with you.

Love,

Kay Keeshen

Tom was one in a million.  What a terrible loss for all of us.  O, my!  But we have to remember how much he enriched all of our lives.

There are innumerable students among us who, under his direction, went on to award-winning performances, including solo exhibitions, prize-winning juried acceptances, even the inclusion in published collections, and more than a few sales.  

In the 14 years that I was privileged to be a student of Tom's, I can say that he was always the consummate professional.  I did not know what to expect in the beginning, but clearly, he was more than anything I could have expected.  And that included the assessment of my late husband, a professional newspaper reporter, photographer, and magazine editor.  He thought Tom was terrific, and he loved coming along for the show in Tom's summer class, "Photography for Painters," or something like that.  We had a lot of good times.

We were not always prepared in our weekly sessions.  He was.  In every class, and in all the sessions I attended, he always provided an entirely new art or watercolor principle.  Extraordinary!

Week after week, he would provide us with a photograph illustrating the principle he wanted us to learn about, a drawing to illustrate an approach to "the problem," and a "cheat sheet" on how we might approach the problem.  I never saw a duplicate!  And I am talking about year after year after year!

As we lumped in, he would appear.  He was not only prepared for his classes.  He also responded to every e-mail I ever sent him.  "Do we have a class this week?  Yes."

He always wandered among the tables where students were working, and he always offered suggestions on how to improve a particular painting.  He was always right.  But he was never presumptuous. 

It is shocking that we have lost him so soon.  There was so much he could have passed on to us.  I hope we told him how much he meant to us.

We tell you instead, Jennifer, Bricken, and family.  Our hearts are broken, as I am sure yours are, too.  We are with you.

Love,

Kay

Tom was one of a million.  What a terrible loss for all of us.  O, my!  But we have to remember how much he enriched all of our lives.

There are innumerable students among us who, under his direction, went on to award-winning performances, including solo exhibitions, prize-winning juried acceptances, even the inclusion in published collections, and more than a few sales.  

In the 14 years that I was privileged to be a student of Tom's, I can say that he was always the consummate professional.  I did not know what to expect in the beginning, but clearly, he was more than anything I could have expected.  And that included the assessment of my late husband, a professional newspaper reporter, photographer and magazine editor.  He thought Tom was terrific, and he loved coming along for the show in Tom's summer class, "Photography for Painters," or something like that.  We had a lot of good times.

We were not always prepared in our weekly sessions.  He was.  In every class, and in all the sessions I attended, he always provided an entirely new art or watercolor principle.  Extraordinary!

Week after week, he would provide us with a photograph illustrating the principle he wanted us to learn about, a drawing to illustrate an approach to "the problem," and a "cheat sheet" on how we might approach the problem.  I never saw a duplicate!  And I am talking about year after year after year!

As we lumped in, he would appear.  He was not only prepared for his classes.  He also responded to every e-mail I ever sent him.  "Do we have a class this week?  Yes."

He always wandered among the tables where students were working, and he always offered suggestions on how to improve a particular painting.  He was always right.  But he was never presumptuous. 

It is shocking that we have lost him so soon.  There was so much he could have passed on to us.  I hope we told him how much he meant to us.

We tell you instead, Jennifer, Bricken, and family .  Our hearts are broken, as I am sure yours ours are, too.  We are with you.

Love,

Kay Keeshen

I met Tom at the action pistol practice on Wednesday afternoons. By the second time we met he always had a quip which  begged for a reply.I had to oblige. He was the instigator with the range layouts and on-sight pistol smith. Tom just did it. He was lead boyscout of a group of 60+ year old guys with 15 year old attitudes. I knew this guy had his priorities straight. Time conflicts kept me away for several years. When I was able to make it up I was met with a Tom quip as always. I can't imagine how sad the action pistol group is for his loss, I am! I am so grateful to have crossed paths and known him. My thoughts and condolences to Tom's family. When it came to life, Tom got it.

Tom, we are going to miss your smiling face and fantastic attitude!

Jim and Janet Duncan
Range Officers, Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championships

If there is a better place than Earth, I am sure you are there. I hope to see you again some day old friend.

I enrolled in Tom's watercolor class knowing absolutely nothing about art, color, form, technique - quite literally, nothing!  And still, there was never criticism, only encouragement; never a frown, only smiles and the challenge to keep going.  "It's only paper" he would say, "you have at least ten more sheets!"  Our class was more than painting - it was fun - because Tom made it so.  He taught many different techniques, but his heart was in watercolor.  I will miss you Tom - your encouragement, your sense of humor, your ability to transform a few scribbled lines & paint into something so glorious.  Thank you for all you gave to me, to us.

I've been in Tom's classes since 1976 when he didn't have a classroom.  We used a classroom in the school where I taught 6th grade.  I enjoyed Tom's easy going style and found it relaxed most so they could be comfortably creative.  I'll miss him a whole bunch.

As Tom's student for 6 + years, I am very sad he is no longer with us. What a shock. I will miss his dry humor as he walked around the classroom chatting with all the students. He was very interesting and knowledgeable on many subjects besides painting. My sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time.

Pam Simonsson

Tom was a great teacher.  I have learned so much in many ways since I joined his watercolor class in September 2002.  Tom will be missed greatly.

Jennifer and Family, please accept our condolences for your loss. If heaven has a shooting range Tom will find it.

Dear Jen and Bricken, may the love of a life and the support of friends and family surround you at this most difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Beth Hodgens(Kathy Winning's aunt)

Tom has been my teacher and friend for twenty-five years. He taught me the rudiments of painting and instilled in me a strong desire to paint.  As a friend, he was interested in what was happening in my life.  I will miss my friend and teacher.

I was very fortunate to have had Tom as an instructor for a few semesters during the past couple of years.  I was the ultimate novice, not even knowing the names of colors but truly wanting to be able to duplicate some of the beauty around us all.  Because of his guidance, sometimes bluntly,  I was able to produce 4 canvases of which I am happy to have shared with those I love.  Without him I know they would never have existed.  My deep thanks to him and sincerest condolences to his family.

Tom lived down the street from us when I was growing up. Back in the days when kids could walk to school, I'd see him outside working on his car. He always had a smile on his face, sometimes we'd come inside and see him paint or play in the backyard. His daughter was friends with my sister. Their family helped make the neighborhood seem like a real neighborhood.

I studied with Tom for more than 30 years and found him to be the ideal teacher, especially for one with a small talent.  I remember going with him (and  Bricken) to Strawberry Lake one summer; how proud he was of Bricken going to study in London and being invited to Japan.  He will be missed by all of us.

I took painting and photo classes from Tom, off and on, for the last twenty years.  I am so saddened to hear the news today.  He had a tremendous impact on me-- from the painting instruction to the classroom debate and banter. 

Tom had a sort of quiet acceptance and welcoming way about him.  And we had a good back-and-forth over the years.  When I was a new student, sometimes he’d humor me when I would follow him around with my brush in hand, trying to get another question in.   Later on, once I’d settled in, he’d pretend to hard-time me for showing up to class late.  And then he’d put up with me stretching things out to the last minute, usually being the last one to clean up.

Tom combined painting instruction with a sense of humor, unfiltered criticism (a look at my canvas generated a ‘yech’ kind of sound on occasion), and honest encouragement.

Not only did he teach me painting fundamentals-- I can still hear “dark to light” and “don’t make them all the same size and color”-- Tom pushed me and encouraged me until I found my own voice and style.  After I had hit on nearly every painting cliche, he kept prodding me, even though I couldn’t understand it at the time. Until one day I brought in a book of my ‘scribbles’.  With his encouragement and help, I began painting my own thing, my own way.

In the last few years, since moving up the peninsula and becoming a mom, I couldn’t make it to Tom’s class anymore.  I stopped by once and emailed a couple times, intending to get back in again.  I’m bummed I didn’t get another chance.  And even though I hadn’t been to class in years, I’m really going to miss it.

I didn’t know Tom outside the classroom, but it was clear that he cared about his students.  He cared about art.  And he cared about his family.

I am certain he will be missed by many.  My sincere condolences to his family.

Thank you everyone for your kind words and memories of my father.
- Bricken

Our prayers go out to the entire family, especially Jennifer and Bricken. Tom was so proud of both of you and got a huge smile on his face when talking about you. He was such a warm, supportive, and talented man. It was a joy to get to know him when he joined Jennifer on APPA or NCPA trips. We admire the deep love and friendship shown over your 45 years of marriage -- an inspiration for us all.

I'll miss Tom. The banter. The remarkably short phone conversations. The great Thanksgiving feasts. The Jack Bennyish looks I got from him. Much love to Jen, Bricken and all who mourn him.

We wish to join your many friends extending our most sincere sympathy.
Earl and Jo'an Marowelli

Bricken and family, so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a wonderful man and you will miss him dearly. I'm sure you'll have plenty of great memories to hold in your heart. Hugs to all. --Sophia

I knew I was in the presence of a great teacher and a fine human being those sadly few months I was in Tom's class. My condolences to his family and to the students he inspired for so many years.

Unlike many others, I only had a few years as a student in Tom Sparacino’s watercolor class.  I am honored to have been able to share in his extensive knowledge and unique artistic style.  I will miss his jokes and stories and criticisms.  I was not only his student, but also a fellow teacher.  As a colleague, he always showed me respect and shared generously his insights on teaching.  Because of knowing him, I am a better artist and a better teacher.  I am deeply saddened by this loss, and I extend my deepest condolences to his wife and his family.

I only knew Tom later in his life. I think I met him sometimes in 2002 or 2003 at the range in Richmond. He was always cordial, happy, and willing to help out. I didn't know of his talents as an artist but it appears he was a fantastic teacher. We'll miss you Tom!

Jen,
May you find comfort in the memories of your loved one, Tom, in this difficult time. We are thinking about you in this time of sadness...  Mike y Ana

We have lost a beloved mentor whom we admired for many years. Tom brought happiness to those in our watercolor class. He gave us a lifelong pleasure as amateur painters. Tom is a special being. I will always remember him and love him.

It is difficult to find the words to express my sorrow at Tom's passing.  Tom was a good man and a person that was much admired.  He will be missed.

Tom was one of the finest men I know.  I met him through his watercolor class and his encouragement, kindness and daffy sense of humor kept me going through some dreadful paintings (mine, not his!) and personal difficulties.  I am very saddened by the passing of this wonderful person - I'll miss him as a teacher, and a friend.

I am so sorry for your lost. I have worked at Santa Clara Adult Ed for over 20 years and enjoyed knowing Tom and joking with him about his many Hawaiian shirts.

Oh my, how we'll miss him!  I was in his class for over 13 years and there were plenty more students who had been with Tom much longer.  He helped us be our best with his wry sense of humor coaxing us along.  My heartfelt sympathy to the family.
Kay Ryan

Tom was a great teacher who had a wonderful sense of humor!  We will all miss him!

My mother, Tetsuko Zaima, was Tom’s student for over 10 years, and was shocked and saddened by the news of his sudden passing.  Even though I live in NYC, I visit my mother fairly often and on many occasions dropped her off at Tom’s watercolor class.  Also being a painting teacher, I always enjoyed my chats with Tom and took some photos of the classroom last October, which are attached.  Tom was clearly able to inspire his students, and as a result, had a very devoted following.  He will be greatly missed.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Tom Sparacino was the kindest and best watercolor teacher. He taught us with tremendous patience and sincerity. His dedication to teaching is immeasurable. We miss him greatly.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Thomas Peter Sparacino

17 juin 1942 – 22 février 2011

Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary

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