Thomas Dooley Steck, born on January 11, 1942, in his home on Roger Avenue in Danbury, passed away at his beloved winter home of 35 years on Marco Island, Fla., December 31, 2024, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Tom’s great wit and vivid memory made him a wonderful conversationalist and storyteller, bringing to life those cherished childhood days growing up in the 50s, along with the experiences and challenges life presented along the way. Whether his memories included Candlewood Lake, where he excelled at swimming and diving, working at the Danbury State Fair, flying in a small aircraft for the annual Santa Claus skydiving event, caddying at Ridgewood Country Club (where he later enjoyed Member-Member tournaments), or whitewater rafting, his passion for life and travel expanded his personal library of stories full of cast and characters he proudly called friends. He especially loved sitting poolside swapping stories with his friends at Shipp’s Landing (Marco Island). Tom’s passion for life and his charismatic nature always set the stage for an unforgettable experience — especially for those who were lucky enough to be part of it with him.

He attended St Peter’s Parochial School, Danbury High School and Bethel High School, graduating in 1959. Tom continued his studies at Danbury State College, Bridgeport University, Norwalk Technical School and New York Institute of Advertising, obtaining degrees in both business and advertising, which he lectured on at Fairfield University. He was selected while in the Army to attend Yale University to learn the language of Swahili, which he would speak from time to time to the amazement of his friends and family.

As a young man his career began at Modern Printing and Lithography in Norwalk, and continued for over 20 successful years at Danbury Printing and Lithography in Danbury. Later in life he utilized his natural ability and talent for home restoration and painting and founded his own company and enjoyed many years of success — he met every challenge with curiosity and intrigue and always found a resolution.

A resident of Newtown for 30 years, Tom and Barbara retired to Yarmouth Port, Mass., in 2007. There he joined Blue Rock Country Club and treasured those days spent playing golf with his wife, his grandsons, who he taught to love the game, and many close friends. Ambidextrous, Tom carried both left- and right-handed clubs in his golf bag and would switch hit depending on the lie of the ball or his mood. When not on the golf course, Tom could be found enjoying boating on Bass River, where he would enthusiastically take his grandsons tubing or the family for a sightseeing cruise around Follins Pond. Additionally, Tom was a true car enthusiast, continually studying and reading about every make and model.

His greatest achievement was helping to raise his daughter and being an integral part of his grandsons’ lives. From his days in Newtown, where he stood courtside at his daughter’s tennis matches, to cheering on “the boys” at cross-country and soccer, Tom was always there for them, and they knew it.

Many people as they age say they feel invisible. That was never the case with Tom. His indelible humor, impeccable sense of style and endearing charm made him a commanding presence. A man of great vision, poise and courage who lived large and loved larger.

Tom is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara (Tussup) Steck; daughter, Julienne (Steck) Finnegan and husband Gerald; and grandsons, Ayden (Steck) Finnegan and Ronan (Steck) Finnegan of Hollis, N.H.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marguerite (Dooley) Steck and Edwin Albert Steck; brothers Edwin A. Steck and Francis J. Steck, and sister Margaret (Steck) Valine.

Tom’s family wishes to thank Vitas Hospice for their loving care. Contributions can be made in his memory to Vitas Hospice Care, 4980 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 102, Naples FL 34103.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.