Thomas Edward Schillinger

Thomas Edward Schillinger, age 84, peacefully passed on July 7, 2022, with his family by his side. He is predeceased by his parents, Oscar Edward Schillinger and Verna Gertrude Ferguson Schillinger, as well as his siblings, Robert Oscar Schillinger and Sandra Jean Schillinger Schey. He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Sherry Schillinger Krenzer, Terry Schillinger Miller, Cynthia (Cindy) Schey Ayotte, Wayne Robert Schillinger, and Ronald (Ronnie) Jeffrey Schey, and many great nieces and nephews. Also survived by his caring friend, Dennis Spangler and pup Ginger. Tom was always generous and helpful to his family and many friends. He will always be remembered as full of vigor with a rascally sense of humor. He approached life with determination in everything he did while living life to the fullest. He was raised on the family farm in West Henrietta, NY. After graduating from Rush-Henrietta High School, Tom attended the University of Rochester. He was the first in his family to graduate from college. While serving his country in the Army, he was assigned to work at Arlington Cemetery to assist with the funeral of John F. Kennedy. Landing in DC once again, and enjoying the disco era, he worked on classified development at IBM. Setting his sights on never wearing a suit to work again, he moved to Tampa, FL and became a proprietor of Baxter’s, a very successful bar where he entertained all and enjoyed many wonderful friendships. Finally retiring in what was his perfect home in Wilton Manors, FL, going out for entertainment five nights a week and loving every second of working in his yard. A celebration of Tom's life to be held this fall at his beloved Honeoye Lake in NY. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Pride Center at Equality Park in Wilton Manors https://www.pridecenterflorida.org/donate/ or Abandoned Pet Rescue, Fort Lauderdale https://abandonedpetrescue.org/. On line condolences can be shared at edkalis.com. Arrangements entrusted to Edwards Cremation & Funeral Services, Wilton Manors, Fl.