07/17/2026
We don’t truly realize the impact we make on people, no matter how how big or small, we intricately weave through peoples lives. We just don’t really know how much we matter. Until we do. We wonder if we’re enough; if we’re too much; if we’re just right; if we say all the things that needed to be said.
I’ve known Tommy for so long and we weren’t friends who talked every day, but we were always able to talk like we never stopped when we did. I’m devastated to hear that he has moved past this earthly space.
Tommy, had the most inappropriate hysterical sense of humor, it was utterly fantastic. When he would talk to you, it was endearing. He always greeted you with a “Hey baby” and “Love Ya”and “kisses” all the trapping and phrasing of a dapper gentleman with a charismatic smile .
He made so many impacts in my life with music, art, creativity friendship & support. His smile lit up a room and his laughter could soothe your sorrows and his voice, oh his voice it sounded like butter on warm bread, you just melted when he sang.
When Tommy found out my mom died and that I started a nonprofit based in the creative arts to help people heal he wanted to be a part of it and help in anyway he could. I really wanted him to do a cover with my mom’s music, but he wasn’t ready. I always thought I could hear his voice singing with her on her version of Ruby Tuesday; I felt like it was made for him for his sultry voice.
He had other contributions that he generously donated to the foundation; He had this piece of art it was just a simple line drawing of a woman. He wasn’t sure if he should donate it to because in his words “my drawing has t**s is that OK? “ And we both just laughed till our belly’s hurt.
That was just his way, and when I saw him at the opening event he came over to me with his big smile and he gave me the framed artwork and the biggest tightest hug. Of course he brought somebody with him that he thought would benefit from being there and that we could help each-other and work together. He just wanted to help others connect.
He had an art show over at BK one and I brought my kids and my wife to the show to support. My daughter loved a specific painting called “eat your feelings “ she wanted it. She wanted me to buy it for her birthday present that was coming up. When I told Tommy he said “ I can’t charge you” and I said oh yes you can. This is your art and my daughter wants to buy a piece from an artist and she wants your Artwork . He thanked me for supporting his craft. We started to talk about my mom and he was like how old was your mom again when she died and I said with a smirk “she was 69 years old” because I knew that he was just gonna make a joke and he did not disappoint. We both just laughed and giggled and he said I’m so sorry as he giggled and it was just ok because it was Tommy. That was just his way.
His Artwork sits up in her room right above her bed protecting her from the monsters in the shadows.
I had asked him before last year’s anniversary event to commission a piece for a little girl who lost her dog. He was so excited to do it, but he was also confused because I had asked him about another piece with a hamster and he’s said I’ve never drawn a hamster I’m not sure what to do. I told him not to worry about the hamster, and I let him pick the photo that he wanted to recreate as a piece of art.
Before the event he wasn’t feeling well and he felt bad that he couldn’t get it to me in time I told him not to stress and just feel better.
When he was up to it he met me and delivered the piece it was absolutely perfect and she loved it.
He was a true artist of life. I’m grateful that I got to share the stage with him, work with him, collaborate with him and simply just check in on him and show him some love because he mattered to me he made a lasting impact in my life and the life of my family. Just to be his friend was a gift. We share so many of the same memories and friends all in a familiar circle.
Tommy was a thread, connecting us all together and I know that, even though he’s not in this physical space, he will continue to do so because Tommy was love and that energy never dies.
Tommy please say Hi to my Mom. I’m sure you guys are trading inappropriate jokes and singing Ruby Tuesday together. Much love and respect to your family. I will help carry a light for you and continue to let people know just how special you are.
Thank you for everything, Luv ya & Kisses to you, Mr. Handsome , till we meet again my dear friend... 🖤😎😘
