Thomas Joseph Strieter

Thomas Joseph Strieter born to Anna Dailey and John David Strieter, affectionately known as Tom, entered the world on January 18, 1956, in the bustling city of Washington DC, where he would become the beloved "baby" of the family. 

In his youth, Tom's exuberant personality shined brightly, reflected in his eclectic bedroom adorned with walls painted in a spectrum of colors and soundproofed with cups. From his earliest years, Tom's love for music was evident, as he enthusiastically rocked to the beats of Alice Cooper before embracing the disco scene. His friends fondly regarded his dapper attire of pressed jeans and clogs (which his daughters affectionately referred to as his high-heels), Tom was hailed for his undeniable charm and movie-star allure on the dance floor.

It was amidst the brilliant lights of a disco in Daytona Beach, FL, that Tom encountered the love of his life, Michelle Shepp, in April of 1980. After chasing Michelle’s Buick Regal down the beach the day after meeting, their whirlwind romance began. Married in 1983, their partnership of over 40-years was filled with rock concerts, days antiquing, and numerous tropical and European vacations.

A connoisseur of simple pleasures, Tom's culinary preferences included Ledo's pizza, Grandma Utz kettle-cooked chips, Taylor Pork Roll. His infamous sausage dip was a staple at every family get-together or sporting event. A devoted sports fan, Tom's allegiance to the Washington Redskins knew no bounds, though he harbored a playful superstition regarding his daughters' birth year, and the Redskins' fortunes, whose last national championship was in 1991. 

That year, Tom's greatest joy came with the arrival of his twin daughters, Karli and Erica, “born by the bay,” marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with boundless love and cherished family moments.  As he proudly proclaimed, their birth not only prompted him to quit smoking cold turkey, but also jump-started his premature transformation into a silver fox. The years that followed were a whirlwind of family fun – from neighborhood bike rides to heated games of Yahtzee, to cozy nightly dinners. Tom was the go-to storyteller, always leaving his family in laughter with his tales and impressing everyone with his knack for remembering historical dates on demand & with great precision. 

In addition to his roles as husband and father, Tom found solace and fulfillment in his landscaping business, Tom's Thumb Landscaping. Tom poured his heart and soul into creating beautiful outdoor spaces for his clients-turned-friends, and deeply enjoyed the company of those who had the chance to work alongside him. His infectious humor and genuine warmth endeared him to all who crossed his path, leaving a lasting legacy of friendship and camaraderie. 

In retirement, Tom found joy in traveling with his Tommy Bahama button-ups, peacefully enjoying his backyard Koi pond, and creating family memories that would be cherished for generations to come. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, a testament to a life well-lived and a spirit that will forever shine bright.

Tom leaves behind a vast collection of buttons, license plates, antique pottery and sentimental knickknacks, along with a legacy of Tom-isms that will be forever etched in the hearts of his family and friends. Though he may be gone, his spirit will live on in the hearts of the many lives that he touched during his time on this Earth, gone too soon. Rest in peace, Tom, knowing your legacy will endure in your daughters and in the tales that they tell their kids to come. 

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Michelle Strieter; devoted daughters, Karli Brubaker and Erica Strieter; cherished son-in-law, Travis Brubaker; caring brothers, Michael (Margie) Strieter and John (Gail) Strieter; beloved sister, Patty (Michael) Brown; dear sister-in-law, Susan Shepp; supportive brothers-in-law, Mickey (Kristine) Shepp and Darcey Shepp. His memory will also be fondly remembered by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as his two beloved grand-dogs, Goose Brubaker and Nova Leigh Strieter.

The family warmly invites friends to join in celebrating Tom's life on Saturday, March 2nd, at the Fenton Firehall. A reception will be held from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by a memorial lunch at 12:30 PM.