He was a gifted athlete, excelling in track and field and football. He was a dedicated teacher and coach, inspiring countless students and athletes. He was a loving husband and father, always putting his family first. Tom’s life was a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and love. This summary provides a brief overview of Tom Szydlo’s life.

Upon hearing he was terminally ill, his first words were, “But I just learned to hit my driver!” Tom is survived by his wife Merle, and his immediate family: brother Jack (Sue, recently deceased) Szydlo, and their two children (and their families) John (Nicole) Szydlo and Mike (Marissa) Szydlo; sister Sharon Domst (Bill) and their daughter Lori and her family; and brother David (Mary) Szydlo and their children Tim and his family, and Kelly, his goddaughter, with whom he shared a special relationship. A shout out to the Forestville Class of ’71 who reached out from their class reunion. Things happened so fast he just didn’t have time to contact all the people he wanted (I’m sorry Jimmy), but if you were a part of his life, you knew you were loved. Tom was a very private person, and at his request, there will be no service. Tom loved cats, and he joins in the afterlife all our former whiskers.

If you wish to honor his memory, please consider a donation to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701. Remembrances and condolences welcome at www.lindfuneralhome.com.