Thomas R. Tumma

Thomas Ragnar Tumma passed away peacefully at home, August 22, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family after a long illness. He was 87 years old.

Thomas (Tom or "T") was born on November 14, 1937 in Tallinn, Estonia to Arthur and Margot (Feldberg) Tumma. They immigrated to the United States and settled in Rockport, Massachusetts, having added Tom's two sisters. Tom attended middle and high school in Rockport, then enrolled at New England College, graduating cum laude with a degree in civil engineering.

After graduation, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy, and was selected to the highly competitive Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, from which he graduated as an Ensign. He served from 1962-1966, including nearly two years on the aircraft carrier, Franklin D. Roosevelt. During his service, Tom received the National Defense Service Medal, and attained the rank of Lieutenant.

Tom was then assigned to the U.S. Naval Personnel Center in Omaha, Nebraska, and during his time there he was fortunate to meet and fall in love with the love of his life, Gayle Rose. They married in 1966 in Omaha, then settled in Fort Worth, Texas, where Tom pivoted to working as a Program Analyst for General Services Administration. Tom and Gayle were later blessed with their daughter, Julie, in 1971.

As a family, Tom led the way on summer trips driving to visit his mother in his beautiful hometown of Rockport, with stops along the way for tasty southern breakfasts and questionable southern pizza. Museums and music were enjoyed along the way, while always including the highlight--fun visits with Tom's and Gayle's family in Nebraska, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Canada, and Massachusetts.

When in Rockport, Tom and family enjoyed scenic walks taking in the beauty of Cape Ann, playing a few rounds of tennis, and exploring the many galleries, art associations, and shops. During more recent reunion trips, Tom enjoyed sharing stories and laughter with his loved ones, as well as tasty pre-dinner wine selections.

After retiring from GSA in 1995, Tom pursued his avid following of all things financial, political, and automotive, as well as his ongoing love and appreciation of art and music. He attended performances near and far, and rarely missed an opportunity to savor every detail in a work of art.

As much as Tom appreciated others' creations, he was a prolific maker and fixer of things. From tasty meals of chicken deluxe, homemade pizzas, and spaghetti sauce; to creating jewelry, drawings, and paintings; to crafting furniture for the home, a shed for the yard, and the most solid workbench this side of the Mississippi; and to always keeping the cars and home items in top working order, Tom orchestrated them all.

Tom and his family are eternally grateful for the compassionate and loving care provided by Heart to Heart Hospice, and his private duty team. Their support of Tom and Gayle was invaluable.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 59 years, Gayle, daughter, Julie (Guy Corl), and sisters Helga (James, deceased) Walter, and Etel (John) Mancuso, as well as numerous, loved in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Arthur and Margot Tumma.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 19, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church.  

Interment: 2:15 p.m. Friday, September 19, 2025 at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (https://www.lls.org/), Alzheimer's Association (Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help), Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation (Heart To Heart Hospice Foundation ), or a charity or arts organization of your choice, but nothing related to baseball. Tom never liked baseball.