Thomas George Pitch was born January 1, 1969 at 12:09 AM, Helena Montana’s first baby of the year. He passed away of a heart attack on December 30, 2021 in Henderson, Nevada while hiking, something he loved to do. He leaves behind his beloved wife Sandra, and beautiful young daughters Paulina and Sophia, his mother Mary Mulroney Pitch, his brother and best friend David, David’s wife, Denise and son Aaron Pitch, his aunts Helen and Nancy Mulroney, his in-laws Jesus & Carmen Valls, brother-in-law, Jesus Valls, Jr. & sister-in-law Marichel Valls Villeda & her sons, Jared & Patrick and cousins and friends too numerous to list here, but you know who you are. Tom was preceded in death by his father Myron Pitch in 2012, his Pitch and Mulroney grandparents, several aunts, uncles & cousins.
Growing up, Tom was outgoing and animated. He enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in soccer, cross country, and water skiing. In his spare time, he liked reading fantasy and science-fiction, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and video games. Some of Tom's memorable achievements included being one of the original members of the Helena Penguins soccer team and being an All-State select player for several years. During a state soccer tournament in Laramie, Wyoming, in the mid-'80s, Tom was the only Montana player that never left the field the entire tournament. He was also a member of the high school cross country team. He went to the state meet four years in a row. As an adult, he loved hiking and peak bagging. Tom was also an avid sports fan. As a child, he picked the Pittsburgh Steelers to be his favorite team because he liked their colors. He was one of their biggest fans.
Tom was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of problem solver. Sociable, analytical, and pleasant, Tom was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was open and direct in his communication. Armed with great wit, Tom was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic. Tom had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and was able to absorb anything he read. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. Tom enjoyed engaging in political discussions and debates with anyone who would participate, whether they wanted to or not! Politically, Tom was very well-read and had very conservative beliefs. He held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He attended Central Christian Church for 19.5 years with his family.
Tom met his wife, Sandra, in October of 1998 through a mutual friend, but they didn't start officially dating until August of 2000. He proposed to her in October of 2000 and she immediately said yes! It was obvious he charmed her with his handsome looks and winning personality. On January 6, 2001 Tom and Sandra exchanged wedding vows at the Little Chapel of the West in Las Vegas, Nevada. They had a second Christian ceremony the same day at Sandra's sister Marichel's house with Sandra's pastor from Mexico. But this wasn't the only time they got married - they renewed their vows at Seeley Lake, Montana in 2006 where Tom’s father Myron, Helena City Judge, performed the ceremony. They had planned to renew their vows again at the Little Chapel of the West on their 25th wedding anniversary. They loved to get married! Tom and Sandra were like young kids in love. They were always laughing, never a dull moment between them. They always put each other’s needs above their own. Every morning, Tom made Sandra coffee. When she wasn’t feeling well, he brought her ice cream in bed. Together, the two of them loved discovering new tv shows and taking long drives. They could talk endlessly. Tom typically cooked dinner for his family, always with a beautiful presentation.
Very much like a kid himself, Tom identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children enjoy life to the fullest. Tom was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Paulina and Sophia. He loved spending time with his girls more than anything. In 2018 while visiting Montana, one of Sophia's favorite plays, Newsies, was set to start a couple days after they were scheduled to leave. Tom searched online and found that the play was being performed in Phoenix, Arizona at a later date so he bought tickets without telling her. He then told his family that he had a "business proposal" to work on in Phoenix and asked if they wanted to go on a 6-hour road trip with him. When they got to Phoenix, Sophia saw the theater where Newsies was being performed and asked if they could go. Tom then handed Sophia an envelope and asked her to open his "business proposal" which contained the tickets to the play. Sophia was ecstatic! Tom drove his girls 12 hours roundtrip to see that play. Tom's eldest daughter, Paulina, is obsessed with the play, Big River. In November 2019, Tom found tickets for the play in Ventura, California. He packed his family into the car and drove 9 hours roundtrip just to see the play. That's the kind of father he was.
Tom was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions and think on his feet. Tom graduated with a degree in business administration. He was the Las Vegas Operations Manager in charge of facility managers for ABM Parking Services where he was employed for 19 years.
Tom enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were reading, hiking, cooking, and Fantasy Football. He also loved music and had a goal to attend as many concerts as he could. Some of his favorite bands/groups were KISS, Metallica, AC/DC, Judas Priest, Twisted Sister, and Iron Maiden. Tom loved statistics. He compiled data for all his interests, personal and business, and all aspects of his life. He was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Tom's favorites was his childhood dog, Fred. As a young adult he had a rabbit named Barney, and the last 14 years, his dogs Steeler and Almendra. His favorite place in the world was his family’s cabin at Seeley Lake, Montana where he took his family every summer.
Tom loved to travel. Oftentimes his travel plans were spontaneous. For example, on their way home from Montana, he took his family on an 850 mile "detour" to Colorado to be there for his nephew's first birthday party.
Tom was the kind of person who could win others over easily. He was always able to provide amusing conversation to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes, and stories. Oh, the stories...they will be truly missed.
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." - George Carlin
This is how Tom will be remembered.
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