Thomas J. Corona

Greece: March 27, 2025. Tom is predeceased by his parents, Carl & Lotte Corona. He is survived by his wife, Donna Corona; daughter, Holly (Paul Contestable) Groth; granddaughter, Kayla Groth; brother, Stephen (Susan) Corona; sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law, Jo Lee (Jerry Houck) Davenport, Phil (Terry) Howe; nephew Chris (Angela) Corona; great-nieces, Charlotte & Olivia Corona; cousins & dear friends.

Tom’s life story will be shared during his visitation at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane Rochester, 14626 on Saturday, April 5th, 1-4 PM.

Remembering Tom~

Thomas J. Corona was born on August 24, 1948, in Rochester, NY, to Carl Corona, a realtor, and Lotte Strickhausen, who worked in production at Rochester Products. Growing up in a close-knit family, Tom was deeply connected to his parents and his brother, Stephen. His father, Carl, had a passion for gardening, while his mother, Lotte, loved to crochet. These simple joys were cherished by the family, and Tom developed a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and creativity from an early age.

Tom attended Rochester School #7 and School #42, later graduating from Charlotte High School. His early education laid the foundation for a successful career and a life full of meaningful relationships. After high school, Tom worked at Eastman Kodak and at Bank of America. These jobs not only shaped his professional life but also helped him form lasting friendships with colleagues who would become some of his closest friends, including Fred Sauter, Dave Stegman, Don Grotke, Rod Wallace, and Dave Schneider. The camaraderie formed at Kodak was a source of joy for Tom, and together, they enjoyed many boating and fishing trips throughout the years.

Tom was a man of many interests and talents. His hobbies ranged from boating, fishing, and motorcycling to playing guitar in a band called The Vaqueros. He also loved woodshop and printshop, expressing his creativity in a variety of ways. Tom’s playful and adventurous spirit made him a fun-loving individual who was always quick with a joke and could make people laugh easily. His sense of humor and friendly demeanor put everyone around him at ease.

Throughout his life, Tom had a deep love for animals, particularly his three beloved cats-Earl Grey, Badger, and Boo. He delighted in gathering them together for their treats, which became a beloved ritual in his home. He also enjoyed feeding the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks in his backyard, creating a peaceful haven where he could relax and unwind.

Tom lived through some of the most significant historical events of the 20th century, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, the Cold War, the polio epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He witnessed air raid drills in school and saw the world change in ways that deeply impacted his generation.

Despite these challenges, Tom always maintained a positive outlook on life. His love for family was central to his existence. In 1977, Tom married Donna Howe, whom he met at a local bar and grill called Lead Balloon, where Donna worked as a server. The two formed a lasting bond that included Tom’s daughter, Holly. Together, they enjoyed many weekends on the water, boating as a family. In 1986, they made the decision to move to Florida to enjoy a warmer climate and be closer to the water, which had always been a place of joy and tranquility for Tom.

Donna had the most profound impact on Tom’s life, and the couple shared a love and devotion that lasted throughout their years together. Tom was not only a devoted husband but also a loving father and grandfather. He was handsome, brave, and often a bit stubborn-a man who could always be counted on for help, advice, or just a good laugh.

Tom’s love of cooking was another cherished aspect of his life. He was known for his grilling skills, and his famous Greek salad was a favorite at family gatherings and with friends. However, there were a few things Tom didn’t care for-coconut and cilantro being at the top of the list. His ability to detect even the faintest hint of either ingredient in food was legendary, and he would always voice his protest with humor.

Tom’s health challenges were some of the most difficult parts of his life, but he faced them with strength and resilience. He will be remembered as a fun-loving, devoted family man and friend whose warmth, humor, and spirit made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Tom’s passing leaves a hole in the hearts of all who loved him. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on through the countless cherished moments shared with family and friends. Those who knew him will forever be comforted by the memories of a man who lived life with joy, love, and laughter.