Thomas J. Lyons

Thomas J. Lyons, 82, of Punta Gorda passed away July 1, 2006. He was born December 1, 1923 in Arcola, IL, the son of Michael and Ellen (Conley) Lyons. Tom served in the US Army during WWII. He was a National Account Sales Manager for a cable and fiberoptic company for many years before as well as an entrepreneur who started many diverse and successful business ventures. Tom and his wife, Betty, relocated to Punta Gorda from Naperville, IL in 1986, and they became parishioners of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was first an active member of Punta Gorda Country Club and later joined Twin Isles Country Club and Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. Tom’s pride and joy was presenting a beautiful and meticulously kept landscape. To most who knew him, he was “St. Thomas.” Tom had a love of life and a great sense of humor. Tom will be greatly missed by his wife of 55 years, Betty; son, Michael (Patricia) Lyons of Falmouth, ME; daughters, Cathy (Lawrence) Collins of Huntley, IL and Laurie Ann Lyons of Port Charlotte; brother, Bill (Doris) Lyons of Longboat Key, FL; sisters, Margaret Ann (Dan) Hanley of Palm Beach, FL and Mary (Chris) Cristoffers of Rancho Mirage, CA; and granddaughters, Sara and Amy Collins of Chicago, IL. He was preceded in death by his son Jeffrey, and his brothers, Jack and Lawrence. A memorial service in celebration of Tom’s life will be 11:00 am Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services, Punta Gorda.