Tributes

This is the story of Thomas Andrew Larmondra Sr. (a.k.a. Tom, Tommy, Toto, Uncle Cabin, Sensei, and Bubba), who passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2018 in Charlotte, NC. If you knew anything about Tom, you know of his unending passion for, and commitment to, his family. Tom is survived by the love of his life and best friend, Susan "Susie" Anne Deegan Larmondra, whom he married nearly 50 years ago. The memories they created together are plentiful, and there is no question who Tom’s REAL pride & joy was. Tom was the prototypical patriarch as the unquestioned leader of his tribe. Tom is survived by his children, Lisa Marie Ensalaco and husband Mike, Thomas Andrew Jr. and wife Laura, John Daniel and wife Arielle, and Lucy Deegan Schwartz and husband Dave. Tom’s love will continue to impact generations to come, as he is also survived by grandchildren Mary Grace Ensalaco, Olivia Deegan Ensalaco, Molly Anne Ensalaco, Michael John Ensalaco, Katherine Eileen "Katie" Ensalaco, Ethan Angelo Larmondra, Colette Christine Larmondra, Andrew Samuel Larmondra, and yet another expected in May ’18. Tom is now reunited in heaven with two little ones who preceded him in death much too soon; his daughter Olivia Deegan Larmondra and grandson Gabriel Thomas Larmondra. Tom’s love for his family was only eclipsed by his love for Jesus Christ. It was evident from a young age that Tom’s calling was to live a life following Christ and to lead others to Him. Hundreds if not thousands owe their eternity either directly or indirectly to Tom’s ministries and Tom’s heart for Jesus. This began as a long time member and youth ministry leader at Centenary United Methodist Church in Bath, NY, and continued as founder of the "C.L.O.D. Squad" (Christ’s Love Opens Doors) which was a clown ministry that served children all across the country. Tom was also a youth director at Casowasco, a Christian retreat camp in the Finger Lakes region of New York. As Tom grew older, he did not slow down his drive to satisfy his eternal calling. In 2006, he brought his spiritual gift to North Carolina as a member and Sunday School teacher at Williamson Chapel United Methodist Church. Despite the people Tom has led to the Lord, Tom often claimed his proudest accomplishment was ensuring all his children knew and loved the Lord, which they undoubtedly do, already impacting multiple generations. To complement Tom’s heart for love, peace, and grace come his passion for patriotism, structure, discipline, and the martial arts. After serving in the US Navy including deployment on the USS Little Rock during Vietnam, Tom turned his passions to traditional Japanese karate. Tom studied under several top international masters and grew to the rank of 7th degree black belt founding and leading several dojos in New York and North Carolina. Tom is fanatical about the second amendment and a member of the Fraternal Order of Police of Iredell County and the National Rifle Association. Tom was dedicated to a career that provided for his family. It started with a newspaper route and moving lawns when he was young, and progressed into working in an autobody shop, delivering milk door to door, bartending, selling insurance, bank teller, alarm system technician, and purchasing manager at Polly-O Dairy. In 1985, Tom found his long-term niche with a career in industrial sales and engineering, culminating as one of the region’s top Hydraulic & Pneumatic Specialists. Tom’s love will be his legacy and will be felt for generations. Well Done, Good & Faithful Servant. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 from 1:00-2:00 PM with a service with full military honors following at 2:00 PM at Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Pitts and Rev. Jan Brittain officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Williamson’s Chapel UMC Youth Fund, 575 Brawley School Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Larmondra family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Tributes

Thomas 'Tom' Andrew Larmondra

January 18, 1947 - January 6, 2018