Thomas Luce, 71, of Vero Beach, passed away on Nov. 14, 2014, at VNA Hospice House surrounded by his loving wife, Connie, daughters and his nephew, Dave Cheyne.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Connie Luce; daughters, Darlene Luce of Chesterfield, Mich., Patti Bandlow of Chesterfield, Mich., Beckie Hodgins of New Baltimore, Mich., Rachael Brown of Macomb, Mich., and Monica (J.) Rizzo of Macomb; son, Scot Acre (George Peters) of Royal Oak, Mich.; grandchildren, Thomas J. Bandlow (18), Abbigail Rizzo (17), Wesley Hodgins (16), Kelsey M. Bandlow (15), Marissa Brown (9), Tristan Miree (7), Austin Brown (7), Audrina Rizzo (7) and Avery Brown (5); nephew, Dave Cheyne, who was with “Uncle Tom” during his final days; along with several nephews, a niece and friends.
Luce was born on April 4, 1943, in Michigan and had been a resident of Midway Estates in Vero Beach for 17 years, where he served as the Homeowners Association President.
He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served during the Vietnam Conflict. T.J. held the prior honor of Grand Master Mason in Michigan.
Luce was known as a “jack of all trades.” He was the owner of T.J. Luce Painting, Decorating and Maintenance. He later owned and operated the Luce Goose Bar in Owendale, Mich., and also served as a volunteer fire fighter in Owendale, Mich.
He was highly respected and greatly involved wherever he went. Boating, fishing and hunting were his lifetime passions. He was generous and gifted with his many talents, always helping others. Luce was a people person and loved life.
He was an active member of the Noon Time Recovery Group and sponsor/ mentor, with more than seven years sobriety at the New Port Club in Vero Beach.
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Midway Estates Club House.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Tom Luce to the Noon Time Recovery Group at the New Port Club, 2536 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guest book may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.