Thomas D. Picarella, born June 4 1943, St. Louis, MO. The first born son of Dan Contino Picarella and Rose Culatto Sciortino; husband of Sheila Hodge Picarella; Father of Dan Picarella and Amy Picarella Lindgren; grandfather of Ailis and Caitlin Lindgren; brother of Rosalie Picarella (Lahay) and uncle to Andrew and Matthew Lahay and families.
Educated at St. Liborius Catholic Elementary School 1948 – 1957, Central High School 1957 – 1961, University of Tennessee 1965 (BS 1967) and (MS 1968) in Transportation; Joined the USAF in 1962; served as an airman weather observer 1963 – 1965, and as a transportation officer from 1969 – 1985.
Upon USAF retirement, entered a Civil Service occupation in 1986, as job classification and compensation analyst and retired again in 1998. Next used what he learned in the Civil Service as a compensation consultant for a year.
Sheila’s mom and dad took ill, and we moved to her home town in Scotland, staying for about 6 years. Dusty, our canine companion came with us. Sheila became a college lecturer; Dusty and I finally retired, took long walks and bus rides along the west coast of Scotland, stopping for a Pub lunch along the way. Sometimes, Dusty was offered a free meal.
We returned to the St Louis, MO Metro Area in 2005 and retired to Augusta, Mo. After 13 years, many reasons lured us to move closer to the amenities that made life easier. Daisy has her own yard, and loves chasing rabbits The rest of the story has yet to be told. Only time will reveal the last chapter.
Roadside service with full military honors on Thursday, August 14th at 10:30 a.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Condolences to my brother’s wife, Sheila. His children Amy & Dan, grandchildren. Ailis & Caitlin.
Despite humble beginnings, our parents instilled in us education, Catholic & academic. Tom used the skills he was blessed with & excelled in his college & Air Force career. Our parents were very proud of him.
Condolences to my brother’s wife, Sheila. His children Amy & Dan, grandchildren. Ailis & Caitlin.
Despite humble beginnings, our parents instilled in us education, Catholic & academic. Tom used the skills he was blessed with & excelled in his college & Air Force career. Our parents were very proud of him.
Tom was a man of honor, a professional and mentor and a great friend. His wife Shielah is a beautiful wife to Tom and a great help mate.
Major Picarella served in Vietnam as I did and was one of the best
Rest in Peace
May the angels in heaven receive and rejoice the spirit of our dearly beloved Thomas.
I really looked up to my Uncle Tom and
have many fond memories of him. It was always so much fun visiting him and Aunt Sheila in Florida when I was a young child.
But my favorite memory of all is when he moved to Augusta and we built a workshop at his home together.
I got the chance to show Uncle Tom my craftsmanship skills and work together with him on a project.
Love you Uncle.
A friend since grade school, always fun to hang with. Hell of a football player. The gang was always proud of what he had accomplished in life.
I have a photo on my desk that will remind us of Tom, so not forgotten.
Tom will be greatly missed.
Tom will be missed. We always enjoyed spending time with him at the picnics and other events. Condolences to Sheila and his entire family.
A friend since grade school and high school. Tom was always lots of fun and very successful .
My condolences to Sheila and his family.
I believe Tom was a very happy man. We met because we had the same last name and figured we were related somehow from the old Sicilian ancestors. Loved getting together to look at old photos. Sounds like he wrote part of his obituary which would be like him, always prepared! He will always be remembered by many, I am sure. And I will pray for his sweet soul.
Dear friend forever,
We had a great group of friends. He was so successful, and he was true to each and every one of us. Sheila was his soulmate. So caring of our dear Tom, we’ll miss him forever.
Love, Mike & Cher-
I went to high school with Tom. He was a popular, nice guy. My late husband and I visited Tom in Scotland and that is where I met Sheila, his wonderful wife. Even though I haven’t seen Tom & Sheila lately, I will miss him. Prayers of comfort for Sheila. RIP Tom….you will be missed.