Thomas Sarunas Panka (Tom)
September 28, 1942 - June 21, 2024
Thomas died, 81, from Dementia, June 21, 2024 at the Oro Valley Hospital in
Arizona.
Tom was born September 28, 1942 in Ukmerge, Deltuva, Lithuanian. At age 4 years, he emigrated to Chicago, IL. USA with his mother, Ona Panka, and sister Lillian. Ceslevas, Tom's father, was conscripted into the Lithuanian army. Tom became a naturalized citizen at age 12. After graduating from St. Rita High School, Chicago and Aurora University, Aurora, IL, Tom joined the U.S. Army. He served 1964-1967 in South Korea and Vietnam. He was then hired by the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller. Tom was based in the Chicago area, retiring in
1999 after 30 years.
In 2000, Tom and wife Anna moved to Oro Valley, AZ.
He is survived by his wife Anna, son John, daughters Shelli, Tracy and Bethany. Also, grandchildren Timothy, Terri, Jacob and Rebecca, great granddaughters Ella, Dora and Samantha, and nieces Diana and Nora.
Tom has left us with many and varied canvases of acrylic art. He loved the game of chess. Tom was a runner, walker, and world traveler. We will miss his energy and wit!
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alzheimer's Association. Fight Alzheimer's and Dementia. Thank you.
Published on July 1, 2024
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Send Flowers: When Is the Ordering Deadline?
Next-Day Delivery
ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
Order any time up till the day before
Same-Day Delivery
MON-FRI Order by 2:00PM
SAT & SUN Order by noon
Morning Delivery
TUES-SAT
Order by 3:00PM
The day before
SAT & SUN Order by Saturday
Note: These are general guidelines; some florists may not be able to operate within these timelines. During peak periods such as Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. Tribute will contact you if there are any issues.
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