Thomas R. Sanda

Thomas Robert Sanda – May 22, 1962 – February 20, 2020. He went by so many names: Thomas, Tom, Tommy, T, Ernie, Roy, Gers, Sullivan, and Mears. These are just a few of the names by which we knew Thomas Robert Sanda, but the most important was friend. He was a friend to his co-workers at Grantwood Golf Course, where he worked for 42 years; forty-two years of showing up and loving every minute of the work he did. He was a friend to Sonny Drago (Kelly), whom he met over 40 years ago at Revco Drug Store on SOM Center Rd in Solon, Ohio. Their friendship never failed, their laughter never silenced, and their joy was contagious.
He was a friend to his parents, Bob and the late Julie Sanda, of Solon. Tom brought to his parents a willingness to be the taskmaster. He worked on odd jobs around the house, he helped cook (or order) food for special occasions and he took as much pride in their yard as he did the course at Grantwood. He was a friend to his niece, Samantha, and nephew, Nathan (Anayeli, Isabella), both of Columbus, Ohio. Tom was proud that Bink was a Buckeye and that Nathan was not afraid to try his hand at tasks. He always made them feel welcomed, loved, and never judged. Tom was also a friend to his siblings, Tony, of Solon, and Sally (Ryan), of Columbus. Tom had a special friendship with each and there will never be a moment of questioning or doubt about the love he had for them. But his best friend, the one whom he shared 56 years of his life, was his brother, Bobby. They shared a friendship like no other. They had their inside jokes, their own language; a bond that no one will ever break. Their friendship was fierce, their friendship was protective, their friendship is one that we all should strive to have. It was an agape, unconditional friendship that Bobby will forever treasure.
As his friends, we are inviting you to come share stories with us at an open house at Grantwood Golf Course on March 15, 2020, from noon until 2:00 pm (38855 Aurora Rd, Solon, OH 44139). And as his friend you know that he loved Indy Car racing and sports of all sorts. So with that in mind, please feel free to wear your favorite sports team clothing because Tom would be disappointed if his friends showed up uncomfortable to say goodbye to him. If you would like to honor Tom, donations can be made in his name to the LiveSTRONG program at the Hilltop YMCA where his sister works with cancer survivors to help them become healthy and strong during their cancer journey. Donation address and link:Hilltop YMCA 2879 Valleyview Drive,Columbus, Ohio 43204. http://www.classy.org/fundraiser/2671976