Thomas P. Shola

Thomas (Tom) P. Shola died on July 10, 2016. He was 63. His parents were Albert Shola and Balbina Mandry Shola. Tom grew up and graduated high school from Brooks School in North Andover, MA. He received his Bachelor's Degree from UMASS Amherst. He earned an MS Degree in Computer Science and an MBA in Management, both from Rennsalaer Polytechnic Institute. Tom's career was varied. He worked in computer engineering, architecture and performance at United Technologies, Hartford Insurance Group, Allied Signal, General Dynamics and IBM. Tom took the Series 7 exam, was registered with the SEC and worked as a stock broker for a year. He was also eclectic in his outside interests. After retiring from full-time employment he earned a Graduate Gemologist Degree from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Tom also earned the Ham Radio Technician, General and Extra Licenses. He was active in the community and with Sarasota County. He was CERT certified and worked in disaster preparedness. He was adept at woodworking and anything mechanical or electrical. There was never anything around the house he could not repair or build. He loved to do his zany science projects such as developing solar powered sprinklers and hydrodynamic engineering for a well pump. Tom married his soul mate, Emelia Bruno in 1986. They worked at their careers and maintained two homes in West Hartford and Madison, CT where they did many remodeling projects together. In 2003 they left CT and built their dream home in Osprey, FL. Tom loved a party; he and Emelia enjoyed entertaining together. Tom was always up for an adventure; his sense of humor was legendary. He and his wife were so fortunate to be able to travel extensively in the US and worldwide. Tom was predeceased by his parents. Besides his wife, he leaves a brother, Joseph Shola (Elaine) of North Andover, MA and sister, Claire Dye of Natick, MA. He is also survived by his brother-in-laws, Dr. Francis Bruno and Stephen Bruno of Venice, FL and his sister-in-law, Dr. Theresa Ofner of Groton, NY. He also leaves a cousin, Raymond Mandry (Judy) of Osprey, FL. His surviving nephews are Christopher Dye of NY, Joseph Shola (Rachel) of Windham NH, Francis Bruno (Talit) of Redmond, WA, Gabriel Bruno of Venice, FL, Michael Delage (Jodie) of Homer, NY and Nicholas Bruno of NY. Nieces are Jennifer Hall (Brian) of Plaistow NH, Rebecca Hoogendyk (Jeffrey) of Salem, NH, Kathi Eustis (Chuck) of Nashville, TN, Elizabeth Hazelton (Doug), of Minneapolis, MN and Jeannette Delage of Groton, NY. Tom had 16 great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 4-6 PM. Friday, July 29 at Farley Funeral Home, Venice Chapel. In celebration of Tom's life, remembrances are appreciated and may be made to St. Francis Animal Rescue at 1925 South Tamiami Trail, Venice FL 34293 or Cat Depot at 2542 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234.