Obituary of Thomas Tanacea

Thomas Tanacea, age 85, of San Francisco, California. Beloved husband of Loretta Caranica Tanacea, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2017 at Laguna Honda Nursing Home. Born and raised in North Grosvenor Dale, CT, son of the late Vasil and Doxia (Vanghel) Tanacea. He was also predeceased by two brothers, Spiro and Vanghel, two sisters, Chrysafia, and Sylvia Belba, a sister-in-law Victoria Tanacea and brother-in-law, John Belba. In addition to his wife, Loretta, Tom is survived his daughter, Kendra Tanacea of San Francisco, CA , son, Kristian Vasil Tanacea and his wife, Heidi (Sievert) Tanacea, and two granddaughters, Mia and Alyson, of Novi, Michigan. Tom is also survived by his sisters: Loretta and her husband George Bici of Garden City, NY, Virginia and her husband Sutiri Giavara of Stratford, CT, Judith and her husband John Kavulich of Bentonville, AR, as well as several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins. Tom grew up in North Grosvenor Dale, CT where he played baseball and basketball during his high school years at Tourtellotte Memorial. After graduation, he served in the Air Force during the Korean War years stationed at Suffolk Air Force Base on Long Island. Tom was recruited and played for the Air Force Base's baseball and basketball teams. Completing his service requirement with the Air Force, Tom signed a contract with the St. Louis Browns minor league team for a period of six months. Upon returning to CT, he obtained a position with United Technologies, Pratt and Whitney Division in Hartford where he was also selected and played on the company's baseball industrial league team. Tom joined the Corner Stone Masonic lodge in Thompson, CT and worked up through the chairs until he became the Master of the Lodge in the late 1950's. In 1963, Tom and his family relocated from North Grosvenordale to Bridgeport, CT where he secured a position with Sikorsky Aircraft, a division of United Technologies. Tom and Loretta were married in 1964 and moved to Monroe, CT, where they raised their family for 30 years. Tom opened his own part time Fire Alarm business and later returned to United Technologies, Norden Systems division, until he retired. He was active in St. Dimitrie Church community as a parishioner and church council member. During the years Kris played on the Monroe Little League team, Tom assisted in coaching the team, as well as coaching St. Dimitrie's junior basketball team. In 1996, he relocated to San Francisco, CA and enjoyed his later years there. In 2011, Tom's High School honored him by inducting him into the Tourtellotte Memorial High School Hall of Fame for Basketball. All his life, Tom has followed his love for sports either as a player or a coach. Tom will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 20 at 11am at St. Dimitrie Romanian Orthodox Church, 504 Sport Hill Rd., Easton, CT with burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery with full Military Honors. Friends may call at the Church on Monday February 20 from 10 - 11am until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to St. Dimitrie Church. Arrangements are in the care of the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home. To sign an online register or to get travel directions, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.