Obituary of Thomas E. Widdick

Thomas Edward Widdick, age 70 of Largo, FL passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in Largo. Mr. Widdick was born in Wilkes-Barre, November 24, 1942, and was the son of the late George R. and Florence Morgan Long Widdick. After attending Lake-Lehman High School, he moved with his wife, the former Rebecca Oney, to Cranford, NJ where he retired from the Township of Cranford after 31 years of service. A veteran during the Vietnam Era, Tom served overseas in the Army and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He also qualified as a marksman with an M14 rifle. Mr. Widdick wrestled in high school and continued to follow the sport. He also bowled in leagues, played pool and threw horseshoes. While in Cranford he was an avid gardener. Tom built and fixed almost anything, enjoyed music, sunsets, astronomy, all things National Geographic, appreciated art and loved to travel across the country. After his retirement, Tom moved to Largo FL and volunteered at the Veterans Administration in Bay Pines, working with WW2 veterans. He was a devoted husband and is survived by his best friend and wife of 50 years, the former Rebecca S. Oney; he was a hero and role model to his daughter, Rebecca F. and was a second father to his nephew George R. Widdick and his niece, Lesley Tate along with an extended family. Tom was known for his helpful hand, kindness and big heart and will be missed by all. Mr. Widdicks funeral will be held Monday at 11:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 & 118, Pikes Creek, with Rev. L.D. Reed, pastor of the Emmanuel Assembly of God Church, Harveys Lake, officiating. Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Pikes Creek. Friends may call Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be sent to Suncoast Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL33760. On memo line specify Woodside Hospice.