Rochester, NY: August 1, 2020 at age 80. Tom is predeceased by his daughter, Kristen Wells. He is survived by his wife, Becky; his daughter Kim (Bill Years), Kevin (Martha) Grievson and Kurt (Toni) Grievson; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Matt) Stevens, Jonathan (Tonya) Grievson, Joshua (Elyse) Grievson, Jessica (Tyler) Laverick, Kendra and Kelsey Grievson and 13 great grandchildren. He was so proud of each of them as they grew and responded to “Pompa” in such loving ways.
Tom was a true educator. He never stopped teaching and his love for teaching and learning was his passion. After 27 years of teaching at Monroe Community College he continued his passion wherever his adventures took him. With Becky at his side they traveled across the United States many times. Tom was always ready and willing to help anyone in need and worked tirelessly in many volunteer positions. He loved his job as a tv meteorologist working at all three channels over the years.
Tom had two “celebrations of life” parties for his 80th birthday last December. He chose that as he wanted to hear what people had to say about him when he was alive and could celebrate with those relatives and friends. He looked at the photo albums and the writings almost daily and even asked for them when he was in ICU. He did not want any service after he died.
During his 35 days in ICU each nurse that took care of him returned just to visit each day. One of the nurses made a sign for his room that was a photo of a large magnet and wrote “nurse magnet”. They loved him as he was an ideal patient, always grateful and thankful of their care until the end.
Tom felt blessed with all of his friends and family. His two favorite charities were Golisano Children’s Hospital, Rochester, NY. and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Becky my heart breaks for you and your family. He was a a joy to be around. He was so smart. It was privilege to have know Tom. Enjoyed the trips we went with you guys. Hope to see you back in HT. If there is anything we can do for you let us know. Prays to you and your family. With deep sympathy. Judy and Glen Brower
Becky there are no words to express how very sorry we are. We all share in your loss as Tom was one of those special people who has a place in our hearts. You both are so generous and giving and we are lucky to have you for friends. Love and prayers. Don and Loraine Faker
Becky, you and Tom will always be the best definition of soul mates. You were there for each other and, although he is now in God’s loving arms, he is always near you and in your heart. When spirits link as yours did, they are forever linked. Please, if you need anything, let us know. You are always our precious friend and playmate. Both of you are in our hearts. God bless you. Sandy and Mike Thomson
Tom was an awesome man, always thinking of other people and always there to help. He will be greatly missed by me as well as everyone at Happy Trails. Bon Voyage Dear friend
It is with heavy heart that we say good by to a gentle soil. May his travels in Heaven with the rest who have gone on before. Blessing to you Beck and the rest of your family. Love and prayers Sue Marr
It was a heavy heart when I found “Mr. Wells” had passed. He was one of my first professors at MCC and probably more than others contributed to my 52 year career as a geologist. I guess having remembered him so long gives you the idea of how much of an impact he made on the just discharged Air Cop. He will always hold a spot in my memory.
Becky, so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I was looking forward to maybe catching up with you two in Lyons, NY. My deepest sympathy.
Bonnie Howard
Becky, it’s with great sadness that I learned of Tom’s passing. He was an inspiration to me; I benefited from our informal discussions of geology, weather and astronomy and how best to convey our own passion for science to our students at MCC. He will be missed but will live on in the memories of the many lives he touched.
My heart breaks for you. Tom was the sweetest man. I am so sorry for the loss of your soulmate. I feel blessed that I got to see the both of you a few years ago.
So sad to hear of Professor Wells passing. We send our sincere condo to his family.
I thought Tom Wells was a great professor at MCC and liked him on TV. I always thought his hang gliding was a great discussion for the class. He would ask me about sailing to have another discussion to make it interesting for people. A very nice man.