Thomas Paul Scherzi
September 5, 1952 - May 23, 2007
Obituary
Thomas Paul Scherzi passed away last month at his home in Seattle. He was 54. Tom is survived by his parents: James and Margaret, his brothers: John, James, and Joseph. Tom was an employee of the Swedish Medical Center formerly Providence Hospital for eighteen years. Accomplished on several musical instruments including the guitar and trumpet, Tom enjoyed jam sessions with many of Seattle’s local musicians and he loved to paint. If you had the pleasure to spend any time at all with Tom, you felt a warm sense of caring. He made you feel good and wanted to make sure that everyone he came in touch with was happy. Many special memories are felt by those who knew Tom. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held by his friends who will include a jam session with several of his musical friends on Tuesday, June 19th. For more information please email jim@scherzi.com
It broke my heart to hear the sad news. Tom and I shared many fun times together in Seattle. And after I moved back to Georgia in 1999, we continued to stay in contact with frequent phone visits. He was a one of a kind friend—a great listener, very caring, and able to bring humor to every situation. He could cheer me up no matter what.
It was Tom who persuaded me to get a cat. He knew where to take me and helped me select the perfect kitty. When I moved, Tom kept Tumbles for me for a couple of months. Tumbles loved Tom and vice versa and it was bittersweet taking my cat away from him when the time came.
Tom kept me entertained at work, too…..at the hospital where we met in 1993. We shared in the care and treatment of psychiatric patients, experiencing so many interesting scenarios that we used to recall and laugh about months and even years later.
We ate dinner on his rooftop deck and watched quirky movies together. He always let me bring my piles of dirty clothes over to do laundry while we watched our movie. He was such a kind, trustworthy and reliable friend. I felt very cared for by him.
I went to hear his band play at a few different coffeehouses around Seattle. I loved their music! Knowing this, after I moved away, Tom sent me a tape recording of several new songs the band had recorded.
He will live in my memories and in my heart forever.
I loved my brother’s sense of ease with life. No matter how rough things were, with Tom you felt a warm sense of caring and ease. I feel honored to have grown up with Tom as my little brother. Tom was a people person who had the ability to communicate in a special way with other people and animals. Tom made everyone feel special and gave you a calming feeling. I had the pleasure to know and meet some of Tom’s co-workers, friends and fellow musicians and know that Tom’s sense of humor and calming effect was universal. We should look at Tom’s art and enjoy his music and know he still has a calming effect on us just as if he was with us today. I will miss you Tom.
Tommy! You were one of a kind and a true friend. Kind in every way, always sympathetic, always ready to take on anything interesting ….
Longtime friend of 25+ years, unique musician, and friend to all the animals. Chester and I will miss you and we think of you often.
Until we meet again my friend — enjoy the astrals.
James and Chester
Greatly missed is our brother Tom. What a loss, and what a fabulous unconditional friend. Tom always fit like an old shoe as they say. Kind hearted, and always giving, it was his mission to be sure you were comfortable, and felt taken care of and loved. Always in my thoughts. – Neal
We love you Tommy, and we miss you.
Lucy and George
I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family. I knew Tom as a friend and fellow musician for nearly thirty years. What a pleasure it was to share his companionship and camaraderie; always cheerful, constantly supportive, ever eager to reveal some new piece of music, some new photograph or work of art.
We shared many confidences and adventures, and his friendship was steadfast throughout. Whether it was attending concerts or jamming together, watching the 4th of July fireworks or his slideshows with friends, playing croquet in my backyard or grilling brats on his deck, he always brought an element of playfulness and awe, a bit of enigmatic creativity and some sartorial flair to the mix.
We performed together on numerous occasions, and the vibrations from his notes still resonate in my mind, and reverberate in the consciousness of the cosmos. We played music together the first time we met, and the last time we were together. I give thanks for his friendship and the pleasure of his company.