Tom Pinchak, of Zirconia NC, formerly of Charlotte, died suddenly on June 2, 2022.
He was born in Detroit on December 13, 1946, to the late Ray and Harriett (Scott) Pinchak. He was preceded in death by his brother Paul, daughter Nelle Neczypor and grandson Ray Pinchak.
Tom spent his formative years in and around Utica, Michigan. In 1966, Tom enlisted in the Air Force where he trained as an Electronic Intercept Operations/Analysis Specialist. In 1969, he was stationed in Samsun, Turkey where he was part of a team that monitored the actions of Soviet jets. He returned to the United States and completed his active military service at NSA before being honorably discharged in 1970. A graduate of Oakland University, Tom spent most of his career in Charlotte in commercial real estate. He retired from Wells Fargo in 2009 and spent his retirement years traveling back and forth from Charlotte to The Cliffs Valley where he enjoyed golfing, breakfast with “the boys”, gatherings of any kind (especially if wine was included), yard projects and travel. In May 2021, Tom and Jodi moved to The Cliffs full time. A lifelong suffering Detroit sports fan, he was constantly left broken hearted by the Tigers, Lions and Michigan Wolverines.
Tom leaves behind his wife of 23 years “in a row”, Jodi Burgess Pinchak, son Deane Pinchak, son-in-law Jim Neczypor and granddaughter, Adelaide, mother-in-law Arlene Burgess, brother and sister in-laws Ritch (Deb) Burgess, Suzy (David) D’Agostino, Liz (Reid) Baxter and nieces and nephews Alicia, Allen, Drew, Devyn, Owen, Dawson, Emerson, and Carson all of whom made him extremely proud.
A Funeral Mass and Interment will be held at Noon, Tuesday, August 9th, 2022, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211; officiating by Father Ed Sheridan and Deacon Larry O’Toole.
Am just learning the news of Tom’s passing. He was a founding Board member of Classroom Central where I serve as the Executive Director. In addition to volunteering in this way, he and Jodi also volunteered to assist teachers as they shopped at our “Free Store.” I always remember Tom for his humor–he was a funny funny guy and loved to make people laugh and smile. I treasure those early days when we were all working together to create something special for our community. Tom will be truly missed!
Tom was a great neighbor and friend for about 12 years. Had only minor differences of opinion and never cross words. We traveled and drank a lot of Clos du Bois wine together. Tom’s daughter Nell had good wine contacts in California which we both benefited from. Tom had a great zest for life and had many golfing friends. I never once heard of Tom throwing a club, something I cannot claim myself. Still cannot get accustomed to not having Tom show-up at the front door with a bottle of Chardonnay and a “what’s for dinner comment. A really good friend and neighbor whom we miss very much. Gerry and Donna Carlin
May your candle burn bright. Fly high in the sky my friend. You will be missed greatly.
You will be forever in our hearts.
Tom had a huge heart and was a great advocate for his friends. What a pleasure it was to be around him. One always felt energized by his presence. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Although we have only been neighbors two short years, we were very fortunate to be welcomed into the community by Tom and Jodi the first week we arrived. From the beginning Tom’s appreciation for good company and love for life was readily apparent to us both. We deeply regret our not being able to spend more time together, but we look forward to carrying on the tradition of great comradery with Jodi and all our friends and neighbors within the Cliffs Valley. Somehow we feel that’s exactly what Tom would expect. Rest In Peace My Friend – Mark & Jill Owen
Jodi, there are simply no words other than your faith & your sweet memories of life with Tom will help you through this pain. We love you & share in your sorrow. Always, Dickie & Beverly
Tom loved his wife Jodi unconditionally. He was a man of principle and loyalty. He also was kind, generous of heart, fun loving and had a joy of laughter. Tom you will be missed, know we will take care of Jodi and Rest In Peace.