'When I was visiting for little Tommys service I learned so many fun things about him from his friends. One good friend shared a story about Tommy: One day she was having to watch her little brother and she had Tommy come along with her to keep company and have some fun. They wound up going to a museum. While they were there Tommy announced that he would be giving tours in 15 minutes and advised those who would like a tour to go to a certain area at that time. Well, people showed up and Tommy proceeded to give a tour with a foreign accent through the entire museum. His friends could not hold back the laughter but the people at the museum actually thought that Tommy worked there and enjoyed his tour. Oh our little Tootle boy. This story did not surprise me at all. He enjoyed pretending to be funny characters.'

'On hot summer nights in Coral Springs Florida we would often pile up in the car and go for ice cream. One night on one of these outings Elisa, Michael and Tommy were all acting up in the back seat. I told them that if they did not start behaving that Aunt Kathy was going to give all of them a spanking when we got home. Of course they persisted and I had to make good on my threat. So, when we got home I had the 3 of them line up behind the car. I first gave Michael a swat and that was ok. I gave Tommy a swat and that was ok. When I got to his Elisa - He screamed out "NO, NO, NO!! Not my Lisa!" Tommy was always very loving and protective of those he cared most about. Even at a very young age!'

'Tommy's mother used to always tell Tommy when she got mad about something that she was going to just fly right out the window. One day little Tommy was upset about something and he looked up at his Mom (Debbie), put his hand on his hip and with the other hand waving said, " Mommy, don't make me mad! I'll pack my bags and fly right out that window!" We still laugh about this to this day. Love that little curly blonde haired babe!'

'My little Tootle boy! We love and miss you so much. We had such fun when you came to visit us with your Mom. That was the first and only time that you put on makeup for me. We dyed your hair blonde on that trip and you got in trouble when you got home. LOL. I love how EVERYONE loved YOU!! I still cry because I am so sad that you are gone. Please watch over us in Heaven. Love you always, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Scott'

'I will always love and miss you! I am blessed to have known you, decorate the heaven's we'll all be there soon enough to play like we use to...'

'I knew Thomas because he was an amazing friend to my older brother. The amount of laughs we shared in my household because of his amazing humor and personality were numerous. The way he would come in and tell my mom "que Rico" her Spanish cooking was would make us all laugh. He would dance, he would make jokes I don't think I ever saw him in a bad mood. Although we lost contact all i see is beautiful comments and how his amazing personality continued on, may he have left everyone with some of the most beautiful memories & may they continue on. Rest in Paradise tommy💔👼💌'

'You will be greatly missed. It was a pleasure to have met you & work you. Tom you are a wonderful person & touched many hearts. God is so lucky to have you as one of his most beautiful angels. You will be in my thoughts & prayers always.'

'My heart is broken. Tom was a wonderful beautiful person inside and out. No matter how long it was between my purchases when I shopped at Nordstrom he always remembered my name and greeted me with a super smile, he always made me feel so special. Rest in peace Tom. You were a true artist.'

'To Tommy's parents and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am heartsick hearing of to Tommy's sudden passing. He worked for me at Beautyfirst as a teenager in the summers when he would visit Bruce, his uncle. He was such a kind and caring person...and so funny! All the girls at Beautyfirst loved him, many had crushes on him. I will never forget him and I pray for peace and healing of your family. See you in heaven, Tommy!'

'Tom, u were the most fun-loving and genuine person I knew. I will miss your laughter and your singing!!'

'I did know Tom personally but my daughter Amanda Herrera did she talk about Tom as if she knew him her Whole life, so hearing all the good time she had with him I felt as I knew him too. I just want to day my deepest sympathany to his parents and brother and all of his close friends praying for all'

'Thomas I'm going to miss you! Your smile was so infectious and your personality was just a infectious as your smile. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten.'

'It was a great honor to know such a wonderful and caring man. You will be remembered as the light of the party. May your family and friends find peace in your passing as you are no longer in pain. You were greatly loved and always will be Tom.'

'Tommy we are going to miss you. I still keep seeing your beautiful smile. You have touched everyone you have ever met. My son Lantz loves you. His life will never be the same without you in it. He is finding ways to make sure you are never forgotten. You were like a son to me. I ache for your parents. I see where you get your good looks and personality from. Until we meet again Tommy boy. Lots of love and hugs.'

'Thank you Tom for being such an amazing person and being genuine -just being you! I had the pleasure and honor of meeting you & having you as a friend... you're forever in my heart, sweet angel! Be at peace & continue sending your love from above... until we meet again, you will be missed.'

'Tommy - from the moment I met you working in cosmetics, many moons ago, you were always such a bright light. I loved your face. I loved your smile. I loved her heart. You touched so many lives and everybody loved you. May you be at peace.'

'Tom----You were such a kind and beautiful person---as much on the inside as on the out. We will miss you so much. RIP, my friend...'

'Tommy, I'm going to miss you so so much! You were by far my favorite client/friend. I truly enjoyed every time you came into the salon. You always made me laugh. You had the most beautiful soul and personality. I'll miss you, my darling!'

'Tom, you have been a beacon of light to so many people. You will forever be in our hearts. 
Rest in peace sweet Tom.'

'Tom, 
MY BEAUTIFUL TOM, YOU ARE A RARE FIND, AND HOW LUCKY EACH AND EVERYONE OF US WERE, AS YOU TOUCHED OUR LIVES AND HEARTS, GOING TO MISS YOUR SILLY SINGING AND THAT SEXY SMILE. YOU WILL FOREVER SHINE IN MY HEART ,AND I WILL ALWAYS CARRY THOSE SPECIAL MEMORIES OF YOU FOREVER,, YOU WILL BE MISSED, I LOVE YOU TOM, YOU'LL BE BUSY AS YOUR OUR ANGEL.. GOODBYE MY FRIEND...'

'Tom our friendship was to short, but I thank God that for a brief time he let us cross paths. Although we had so much more to say I take comfort in the time we did share full of laughter and happiness. 
Tom they're finally finished with the roof and I with the decorating and painting. We joked about every time you walked in,you didn't get to see the completed projects but I know you see them from above and I could just hear you say I know finally. 
I truly thank God for giving me the privilege to cross paths with a beautiful and kind person name Tom. 
Forever in my heart my friend'

'Tom, you're deffinately a light in our eyes. Your smile is contagious and your hugs amazing. Simplt the BEST...Love you forever'

'May you rest in peace Tom. I was blessed to meet you. You will be missed by all. Xoxo'

'I can't believe your gone. I miss you sooo much, you will always be in my heart.'

'Among his many gifts I remember him for being a wonderful man, friend, beautiful soul, personality, entertainer, funny, teaser, hard worker, humble, good friend and a singer. 
Will miss him tremendously. 
Tom would make anyone feel special. 
Rest in peace dear friend.'

'Life won't be the same without you, Tom. I will carry you in my heart.'

'Tom - We've laughed and kept in touch for 8 years . . . my heart is heavy knowing your gone - you have been on my mind for the last two weeks - every day, every night. I went to church on Sunday and had a lot of questions for the man above . . . . please know you are loved and will be missed dearly - a beautiful life gone way way to soon - all my love you beautiful person'

'I will never forget your beautiful face Thomas! I hope you are at peace now. My prayers are with your family and friends at this difficult time.'

'May god put peace in your hearts and keep you all bless... We will miss our friend Tom ... But we will have his memories and laughter and smile in our hearts forever.... Miss you friend'

'Tommy, 
You touched so many lives. We Love you and will always keep you in our hearts.'

'Tommy Bendewald, you are by far one of the nicest people I ever met in my life. My heart bleeds for your family because I know how much they are missing you and will continue to miss you until they are able to meet up with you in heaven....I will comfort them as much as they will accept my comfort....I care deeply for your family....they are a part of my little world here in Ridgefield Park...God Bless You and stay near to them in spirit....you are an amazing soul Tommy.....I can just see you hugging your grandpa now....keep on trucking....everyone will meet up again someday....you will be greatly missed...Tatiana'

'Tom . . . . I don't know what to say - I've known you for almost 10 years & have a huge hole in my heart . . .I went to church on Sunday and had a LONG talk to the man above . . . you left this earth WAY to young . . . and so many people will have a void in their life missing your smile and making them laugh - take care and I love you XO'

'The world got a little darker since your gone..Your smile and funny antics brought joy and laughter to many who had the pleasure to meet you Tom....You left us way to early..I'm glad I had the pleasure to meet you and may you rest in peace Tom..your our shining star...'

'I loved Tom so much. He was a great friend and co worker and he will be missed dearly in the San Antonio cosmetics family! May the Lord comfort his family and all who loved this amazing person!'

'I miss you 'Tootles'. Love you kid. See you again when God calls us home.'

'I will always remember the first time we meet. This is not good bye Tommy, i will see you again. I love you and miss you and your blue eyes.'

'All the way from Florida, I'm sending my lo e and prayers to Tom and his family. That the Lord holds you tight in his arms and gives you peace and healing for this time. Although, I knew you for a short time, Tom, you made a lasting impression with your pazzazz, wonderful and unique personality!!! See you soon....muah!!! 
 Melissa'

'May your flame of love and life forever burn in our hearts and memory of the beautiful human being you are. I love you Tom.

'Tom, I will never forget our precious time together! You are always so positive and a mentor to me! I love you forever'

'Tom was an amazing, unique, charismatic, and wonderful person! He made me laugh and smile! When I worked at Nordstrom, I would always detour by whatever cosmetic department he was working at and he would do my makeup. He will be missed and will always be in my heart! My prayers are with his family and I wish I could make it to the memorial.'

'You will truly be missed, loved, and remembered everyday. This wasnt your time. why couldnt you just stay'

'Wish I had the chance to say goodbye. You were an amazing person and loved by many. Hope you n grandpa watch over your family. You are in a better place n are now finally at peace.'

'I, Ruth Martinez would like to extend my sincere condolences to the friends and family of Tommy. Although I did not have the honor to have stories to share with Tommy, I only met him once but that was enough for him to leave a lasting impression! Tommy, you will sincerely be missed.'

'Tommy I love you so much and I always will.. You more than a cousin too me.. You were a role model and I can't thank you enough for everything. I love and miss you so much. Love your cousin Sara'

OBITUARY

Thomas E. Bendewald

December 3, 1986 – January 9, 2015

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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