Tom moved into Heaven on Saturday. He endured too many years of battling PSP, progressive supranuclear palsy. Most of his prayers were that no one would have to live with the disease. Tom's parents, Jack and Lois Tritsch, greeted him, and we're sure his brother-in-law, Pete Moats, and Deb's Mom and sister, Bev, were there as well. He leaves his siblings, Karen Sandidge, Mike (Teresa), Les (Linda), Cindy Moats (late Pete), Kenny (Medina) and many wonderful in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tom loved a great campfire, and he and his wife, Deb, would enjoy them weekly as year-round as possible, talking, finding constellations....always a beer and a cigar involved. He was full of faith and love. Tom loved fiercely and sometimes quietly...he embraced the role of Pap with passion, attending concerts, sports events, awards ceremonies – whatever was going on, he was there with love and support. He was full of love and pride for Deanna Becton, Devlin Becton and Charles Hull. Deanna's fiancée, George French, became a part of his heart and though he was very ill when he met Devlin's love, Rae Ebersole, he would ask Deb how she was doing. Tom was a friend and stepdad to Amy Near, and Ashley and Josh Becton - they meant the world to him as well. All of them were with him through this disease, always helping, and he was grateful for them being there. If anyone mentioned ice cream, he had his keys and was headed to the car...he was a huge health nut but, ice cream broke him every time. Tom was an incredible husband and friend. He and Deb did everything together. They enjoyed working in the yard, just taking a drive, even folding laundry and talking. As with every wife that loses their husband, a huge void remains and half of her heart went with him.

Tom blessed the paths of many strangers in small ways throughout his life, silently and with grace. He made us all laugh, and we have a book of those moments to remember. Tom's four-legged buddies will miss him... Ziggy, Pix and Toby loved his lap, scratches and of course treats from him.

He did not want any services held but asked that people just enjoy their lives, love each other, have a party, and maybe play some Van Halen for him.

If you feel the love of donating, please donate to Maugansville Church, 17904 Binkley Ave., Maugansville, MD 21767 or Hospice of Washington County, 1710 Underpass Way, Suite 300, Hagerstown, MD 21740... we will be forever grateful to their staff for the kind loving care they provided Tom and our family.