Thomas Connally Sells Jr.

Thomas Connally Sells, Jr. passed away on November 5, 2025, from complications of a stroke on April 7, 2025. He passed away surrounded by his loving family and wife, JoAnn (Brzuska) Sells, of 56 years. He was an avid lover of sports, decorated veteran, devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. He lived life with quiet strength, courage, and humility that he brought dedication to every role he took on: soccer coach, traveler, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Tom grew up in Bridgeville, PA and graduated from Shaker High School in 1960. He then attended Bucknell University, Lewisburg Pa, majoring in Economics. In addition, he was a member and captain of Bucknell swimming and swam the butterfly and freestyle. Bucknell Swimming won their first and only NCAA College Division Championship in 1964 while he was there. During his years at Bucknell, he enlisted in the ROTC program. Tom graduated from Bucknell on May 30th in 1964.

After college, Tom enlisted in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1967. He was an airborne ranger with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He received a Bronze Star for heroism against Vietnam forces on March 11, 1967, for leading his platoon into the enemy’s heaviest contact to direct his defense. The army reported that Tom’s outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal bravery were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect excellent credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. This was a distinction he carried with humility throughout his life.

After returning home, he met the love of his life, JoAnn Brzuska, and they were soon married on July 13, 1968, in Cohoes, NY. They moved to Buffalo, NY where he worked for Mobile Oil. In 1969 they made their home in Winter Park, FL and then permanently in Altamonte Springs, FL where they raised their two sons, Thomas C. Sells, III and Michael J. Sells. Tom began his career with Mutual of NY in insurance but soon after, he purchased Winter Parks Sports Shop in 1977 which closed in 1982. In addition, he was a partner with Action Sports, Longwood, FL for a brief time. During this time, he became an avid community leader encouraging others to stay active in sports at any age. In 1977, he started and organized the Winter Park Road Race which is currently in its 48th year. During this same time, he started Team Tennis where he organized players from central Florida into a group of players who could play matches together.

Tom’s lifetime career was in the banking industry in investments and retirement plans for corporate businesses. From 1986 to 1990 he was a Vice-President of the First FA bank in

Orlando, FL and then retired in 2013 from SunTrust. He made many friends who trusted him with their finances and depended on his expertise and personal service.

During the 50 years he lived in Altamonte Springs, he was a pioneer for sports enthusiasts, and a coach for community athletes from ages 4 to 18 in Central Florida for 29 years. He coached many inspiring countless players to not only win games but to play with heart and integrity. His players remember his encouragement and sense of humor on and off the field. He received several recognitions for his success as a soccer coach. In 1999 he received the honor of being the US Youth Regional III girls Coach of the Year and in 2000 he was acknowledged as the National Coach of the Year by NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) to honor his achievement in coaching, with emphasis on success in the game and lifetime contributions to the game of soccer. This honor was especially close to his heart since this award was given based on the numerous past and present players that wrote in to nominate him for this accolade. (he was instrumental in assisting players in earning college scholarships with some reaching the US National Team).

Tom was an encourager to others to stay active and to appreciate sports. While a resident of Seminole County he was one of the pioneers in the Seminole Soccer Club Complex hosting U6 to U19 players. He helped to acquire land that could be devoted to soccer and volunteered countless hours to develop a complex for select level athletes. Today this complex hosts 1,500 players in Central Florida and consists of 12 fields and 40 acres. Furthermore, he became a partner with the Indoor Soccer Center in the 1980’s.

Tom approached life with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge collecting stories and friendships wherever he went. Eighteen months before his passing he and his wife embarked on a 5-month cruise around the world! This was a lifetime dream where he made many new friends. Soon after, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer but on February 18, 2025, he became a survivor! He faced life’s greatest challenges with courage, determination, and his trademark humor – often reminding others that laughter is truly the best medicine.

Tom leaves behind his loving family who are left to cherish and remember him. His devoted wife of 56 years, JoAnn (Brzuska) Sells, his two dedicated sons, Thomas C. Sells, III (Jackie Amrhein-Sells), Roanoke VA and Michael J. Sells (Barbra Shannon Sells) Clayton, NC, his joyful grandchildren Brittani Sells, Altamonte Springs, FL, Hannah Sells, Roanoke, VA, Reed Sells, Towson MD and Emma Sells, Clayton NC. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, June (Thomas) Sells and Thomas Sells, Sr. and his deceased brothers Edward Sells, NY and Richard Sells, FL.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Baldwin Fairchild, 994 East Altamonte Drive Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 4 pm. With a gathering for friends and family at 3 pm to share memories with each other prior to the service. Food and refreshments will be provided from 5pm to 7pm. The family hopes all can attend. In lieu of flowers, his wife suggests a donation in Tom’s honor for Tunnels to Towers at www.t2t.org/donate