Thomas John Sandeman

Celebrating a Life Defined by Love, Service, and Unwavering Faith

Thomas "Tom" John Sandeman, 77, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at The Methodist Hospital in The Woodlands, Texas, on June 17, 2025, following a prolonged illness. He was surrounded by the love of his devoted wife and children.

Born on February 11, 1948, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, to Albert and Iola (Neff) Sandeman, Tom's formative years were shaped by a steadfast work ethic, a commitment to integrity and sportsmanship, and the honor of service. He was a proud 1966 graduate of Sauk Prairie High School in Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin. On June 28, 1969, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Jean Mabbott, in a Nuptial Mass at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Sauk City, Wisconsin. Tom began his career in Accounting and Finance by earning a BBA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, an MBA from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Tom started as a tax accountant with Arthur Andersen & Co. before advancing to senior financial roles at ITT Grinnell and Ponderosa. He led the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Cuco's Mexican Restaurants and subsequently served as their first CFO. Later, he served as CFO for Wall St. Deli, Orthodontic Centers of America and Piccadilly Restaurants. His appointment as CEO of Piccadilly represented the culmination of decades marked by visionary leadership and dedication-an achievement that showcased his remarkable talent for guiding organizations through transformation and growth. After reaching this milestone and enjoying a well-earned retirement, Tom continued to offer his expertise as a consultant to EQ Health Solutions, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He furthered his legacy of service by mentoring employees and young professionals throughout his career. Tom eagerly shared his knowledge and experience with future generations when invited as guest lecturer at Louisiana State University, E.J. Ourso College of Business and as Adjunct Professor at Tulane University.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tom found the greatest joy in his family. As a devoted father to his children, Todd and Elizabeth, he took pride in every milestone. Whether celebrating their individual victories or guiding them through life's challenges, Tom's steadfast devotion never wavered. He created an environment of encouragement and unconditional support within his home, ensuring that Todd and Elizabeth always understood the depth of his love for them. Additionally, Tom extended this love and support to his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Brown) Sandeman, and son-in-law, Jeffrey Girotto, whom he regarded as his own children. He welcomed them and their families with genuine warmth and acceptance. Tom often shared that his most exciting accomplishment was coaching his son's 10-year-old basketball team to victory in the Dayton, Ohio, CYO City League Championship. Frequently, his family served as inspiration for the many stories and poems he wrote and published.

Tom and Barbara cultivated lifelong friendships, welcoming family and friends from across the country to share their affection for all things New Orleans. Tom found joy in guiding visitors through the French Quarter's storied streets, inviting them to savor beignets while wandering beneath ancient oaks as the vibrant sounds of New Orleans music filled the air. Together they cherished friendships made in the New Orleans Chapter of Legatus, the Newcomers Club of New Orleans, Mardi Gras Krewes and on Tartan Drive.

Faith and service were the cornerstones of Tom's life. As a man steadfast in his Catholic beliefs and a disciple of Christ he was inspired to be a "Man of Service." Tom served as Louisiana State Chairman for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Special Olympics Summer Games, and board member of the New Orleans Chapter of Legatus. He was actively involved in fundraising for the Catholic Community Foundation and Dominican High School in New Orleans. He was a dedicated supporter of the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome, Italy, Sisters of the Holy Family and St. Mary's Academy, both in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 56 years, Barbara Jean, his "Irish Rose"; their beloved children, Todd Jeremy (Elizabeth Brown) Sandeman, and Elizabeth Ann (Jeffrey) Girotto. He was a loving "Papa Tom" to his grandchildren: Madeleine Kate, Nicholas Scott, Christopher Thomas, and Rachael Elizabeth Girotto. He is also survived by brother Dean (Jean) Sandeman, sisters-in-law Margaret "Peggy" Exterovich (Bruce Fritsch) and Mary Jo (Mark) Nichols, brother-in-law Jack Caygill, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind the family from Vietnam he and Barbara sponsored 26 years ago: Thuan, Yen, Thanh (Giang), and his namesake, Minh "Tommy" (Quy) Tran. Preceding him in death were his father, Albert Dean Sandeman; mother, Iola Celeste (Neff) Sandeman; sister, Donna Caygill; in-laws George and Eileen (Cavanaugh) Mabbott; brothers-in-law John (Barbara DesRochers) Mabbott, Gerald J. Exterovich, Robert H. Breunig, and Godson/nephew Scott R. Breunig, MD.

A Requiem Mass will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Notre Dame Seminary, 2901 S. Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana with Visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Father Thomas Montanaro, LC, will serve as Main Celebrant with Father Desmond Daniels and Father Stephen Dardis as concelebrants. Graveside services and interment will be October 11, 2025, at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Sauk City, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Tom's memory to Manresa House of Retreats (PO Box 89, Convent, LA 70723, manresala.org), Regina Apostolorum Foundation (https://tinyurl.com/TomSandeman), or Notre Dame Seminary (2901 S. Carrollton Ave., LA 70118, nds.edu).

Tom's legacy endures through memories of his warm embraces, generous spirit and booming voice. He was always ready with a kind word for everyone he met, infusing every occasion with genuine joy and infectious optimism. Tom delighted in declaring every experience as the "best ever!" Tom was called home by Our Father, yet his spirit lives on in the laughter and stories shared by family and friends, and in the lasting impact he made on the hearts of those who cherished him.