Thomas Peter Bambulas Jr.

Thomas Peter Bambulas Jr. was born on July 16, 1963, and passed away on October 10, 2026, at the age of 63. A resident of Surprise, Arizona, Thomas will be remembered with deep respect and enduring gratitude for a life defined by steady devotion to faith, family, and country.

Thom grew up in South Chicago, Illinois, and at 18 years old answered a call to serve by joining the military. That early resolve remained a hallmark of his life—quietly determined, consistently dependable, and guided by a strong sense of what is right. He also pursued his education with purpose, earning a Master’s in Business and a Master’s in Human Resources.

Thom served in the United States Air Force as a Tech Sergeant Crew Chief and retired after 24 years of honorable service. His commitment was marked not only by skill and discipline, but by the kind of integrity that does not seek attention—doing the right thing even when nobody is watching. Following retirement, he and his wife made their home in Mexico, embracing the life they built together.

On May 17th, 2008, Thom married Sandi “Sweets,” who survives him at 56. Together they formed a home rooted in love, generosity, and steadfast support. Thom is also survived by his children: daughter Amber “Babygirl” (37), and sons Jake “Bo” (44), Trevor “Trev” (42), Kevin “Kev” (39), Bryan “B” (35), Dakota “Koty” (32), and Coley (27), siblings: Sherry (sister), Larry (brother-in-law), Tim (brother), Donna (Aunt), and Earl (Uncle). He was also a father figure to Steve Garza and Steven Johnson.

Thom’s legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Mady (18), Jaxx (11), Liam (9), Sawyer (16), Avery (14), Cameron (16), Chloe (6), Kentynn (11), T (16), Cici (1), Aiden (16), Sevi (8), Tatum (6), and Ollie (3). His love for them—and for all those he called family—was constant, selfless, and unmistakable.

Those who knew Thom knew where his joy lived: in time spent with family and friends, in the open road and the work of his hands—Jeeping, classic car restoration, motorcycles, and music—and in simple, well-earned moments like cold beers on the beach. He built the family dream home on the beach in Mexico, a place he loved to be, surrounded by the people who mattered most.

A Christian faith anchored Thom’s life, and his respect—for God, for his country, for leaders, and for one another—was evident in the way he carried himself each day. Kind-hearted and generous by nature, he also had a warm sense of humor that brought ease to a room and reminded others not to take life too seriously, even when it was hard.

The family is especially grateful for Thom’s outreach near and far to all their family and friends, and for the many lives he touched across the world. In the words shared in remembrance: “When death seems to come too soon, we remember his legacy. Thom brought together a family and provided the utmost love and support we could have ever asked for. This grief has brought us even closer than before and we will continue living our days to make him proud.”

Thom will be remembered as a man of integrity and heart—loving, selfless, and unwaveringly devoted—whose presence strengthened those around him and whose legacy will continue in the lives he shaped and the love he gave.