THOMAS J. PIOTROWSKI

Thomas J. Piotrowski, a Man’s Man, a Man of Many, and a Child of God.

Blessed by his arrival on May 26, 1956; departed this earth to join the Angels on June 21, 2020. Tom was called home by the passing of a heart attack with his Lady and his wolf dog by his side.

A determined teenager said, “I want to be a Cowboy,” so he left Boston and headed West. Tom’s Western venture landed him in California. Along the way, he worked in various jobs as he was crossing America, including working in dairies. Once in California, he advanced himself as he always strived to do and became a federally certified Driller and Blaster. However, California just wasn’t West enough for him; so, he went North to Alaska and became a Crane Operator and Deck Boss on the commercial fishing vessel “The Hecate.” He fished The Aleutian Chain out of Dutch Harbor, Gulf of Alaska and The Bering Sea for a decade. After fishing he took an entry-level position with FNF Construction as a laborer. It didn’t take him long before he was Heavy Equipment Operator IV and Lead Man, always an achiever. He paved across the whole Western United States for the next nearly 30 years before retiring. He also was a builder in home construction for TKG Construction when he took a hiatus from the road. Tom had many certifications and licenses for his employment.

Tom was a kind, gentle soul, comical and unique; he was a loyal, loving man and romantic to his “My Lady” as he called her. He was a dedicated and fabulous father, he worked extremely hard to provide for them and he doted on his children and grandchildren. He was multi-talented, extremely intelligent, and he excelled at everything he did, from mechanics, electrical, plumbing, to building. He operated with mastery each and every piece of heavy equipment. He prototyped state-of-the art designs of new equipment for Caterpillar Corporation—his photo hangs on the wall in Corporate Office. Anyone who was lucky enough to have met and connected with him liked him. He had a very special way about him.

Tom enjoyed visiting and spending time with his family; he loved Chevy 4x4s, Harleys, Muscle Cars and Hot Rods. He enjoyed being a marksman, reading, watching Westerns, action, thrillers, and war movies. He loved all forms of music. You would also swear he had a PhD in history. He lived hard but he also played hard. Towards the end he was at comfort and peace to just tinker on the Ranch, hang with his dog and spoil his Lady.

Tom is survived by his daughter Nastasha Maropoulos, her husband Jim, their children (Tom’s grandchildren) Raelynn Maropoulos and Corbin Maropoulos; his son Cody Piotrowski of Phoenix AZ and his daughter (Tom’s granddaughter) Ariah Piotrowski and her mother Brittney Irene Franz of Huntsville AL; his sister Laura Nyhus, her husband Joe, their children (Tom’s niece and nephew) Adam Nyhus and Erica Nyhus of Wisconsin; his brother-in-law Cary Claypool, his lifelong best friend Pete Corirossi and his family of California; his Lady Love and Life Partner Linda Eaton and her son Isaac Eaton and their family; numerous good friends and co-workers, and his wolf dog Tuffy.

Burial was in the Quaint Historical Western Chloride Cemetery, where cowboys go. Graveside service will be in the Fall when his amazing tombstone will be installed.

Tom, you are so deeply missed by all those that loved you. Although you left a huge hole in our hearts, you finally found that Spaceship Pirate. May you finally rest in peace with your Lord . . . until we meet again on the other side .. . God Bless You, Sweet Man.