Thomas Floyd Gruzleski

Thomas Floyd Gruzleski, age 80, of Beavercreek, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026 after a courageous seven-year journey with Alzheimer’s disease. A man of extraordinary intelligence, kind humor and an ability to fix anything, Tom lived a life defined by curiosity, generosity and devotion to his family.

Born on October 3, 1945 in Johnson City, New York, Tom graduated from Johnson City High School in 1963 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1967. While at RPI, he was a proud member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. On September 2, 1967, he married the love of his life, Nancy, beginning a partnership that would span 58 years.

Tom built a 35-year career in aircraft simulation, working for Link, Singer Link and Lockheed Martin. His expertise and adventurous spirit took him around the world, including assignments in Sweden, Japan, Hong Kong and U.S. Air Force bases.

Outside of his career, Tom loved hunting, trout fishing and ice hockey, playing in both college and adult leagues. He dedicated many years to coaching youth hockey and the Maine Endwell High School hockey teams. Always eager to share his knowledge and encourage others, Tom coached the Maine Endwell Science Olympiad team in bridge building and Scrambler events, helping students reach the national competition for four consecutive years.

Tom found joy in restoring and showing his beloved 1980 Corvette and 1973 Challenger at local car shows. He delighted in building model cars and airplanes, and collecting anything that captured his imagination—including Snoopy novelties.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Nancy; his children, Jason Gruzleski (Natalie), Audra Trillana (Emmanuel) and Laura LaRiviere (Michael); his grandchildren, Gabriel (Miranda), Jonah, Daphne, Amanda, David and Temperance; and his cat Roxy.

Tom will be remembered for his gentle spirit, brilliant mind and the countless things he built, repaired and made better.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Tom’s honor.