Thomas (Tom) Vito Saranita, 81, of Saint Louis, baptized into the Hope of Christ’s Resurrection on October 25, 2024.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Mary Frances (nee Wosman) Saranita; daughters Christine (Bruce) Hopper, Catherine (Jeffrey) Erpelding and Elizabeth (Matthew) Keutzer; grandchildren Brianna, Kylie, Margaret, Zoe, Wesley, Ethan, Brendin and Gretchen; sister Dorothy Huhn Sellenriek. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Dorothy (nee Kohrs) Saranita, sisters Dolores Loehr and Shirley Griffith.
Tom graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in 1961. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly UM-Rolla) where he was a member of the national fraternity Delta Sigma Phi. He went on to earn a Masters of Science (Research) from Saint Louis University Graduate School – Institute of Technology in 1971. Tom started his career as an electrical engineer at Century Electric then spent the next 29 years at Emerson Electric, retiring in 2009.
He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus (KofC), Santa Maria Council 2619 and Father Griffin Council 3586. Tom served in many council, district and state roles throughout the years. He was a member of the Saint Louis Assembly and Fourth Degree Honor Guard. He enjoyed volunteering with the KofC annual Tootsie Roll Drive. Tom made lifelong friends through the KofC playing corkball, throwing horseshoes and bowling in leagues for many years.
Tom loved spending time with his family, especially his wife, children and grandchildren. He was also a cherished brother-in-law and uncle to many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family wants to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at de Greeff Hospice House for their loving care at the end of his life.
SERVICES: Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Road) Wednesday, October 30, 3:00pm – 8:00pm. KofC Honor Guard prayer service at 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Providence (8866 Pardee Road) Thursday, October 31, 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center at Cardinal Glennon Hospital (314-577-5605) https://8008.thankyou4caring.org/knights-of-columbus-tootsie-roll-drive?_ga=2.95695388.1411882737.1730297121-1618761563.1730297121 or de Greeff Hospice House (Mercy Health Foundation) are appreciated.
I worked with Tom for several years at Emerson. He was a wonderful person and a good engineer. My sincere condolences to his family and his many friends.
Our sincere condolences to you Mary for your loss. Thoughts and prayers.
Dan & Nancy O’Connell
(Grandparents of Ethan, Luke, Lucy Gutting)
Tom and Mary have been dear friends for over thirty years. We’re going to miss his smile, his love for baseball and his delicious bbq pork steaks. Mary, you and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you.
Our condolences with thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Lisa (Sodko) Scully & Family
Aunt Mary, I offer my prayers and condolences to you, Christine, Cathy, Elizabeth and their families. I will forever remember Uncle Tommy as kind, quiet, gentle man.