After 93 wonderful years, Tom Sepe has moved on! Tom began his life in Long Island, New York where he enjoyed spending time with his mother and cousins, as well as sea fishing, sports, and being a lifeguard on Jones Beach. He also enjoyed the occasional trip into Brooklyn, to visit his relatives in Coney Island.
He went on to Buffalo State Teachers College in Buffalo, New York to study art where he met and married Dorothy Seymour. Soon after finishing college, he joined the Navy, ultimately reaching the rank of lieutenant and becoming a hard hat deep sea diver. During his years of service, he worked as a mine sweeper during the Korean war.
When he wasn’t away in the Navy, Tom and Dorothy worked on starting their family. The family moved to St. Louis in 1960 with their four sons, and soon had three more. Tom had a successful and varied career in St. Louis, which included his start at MONY, an insurance company, selling property at Lake Perry in Perryville Missouri, and ultimately retiring while at Clayton Brokerage.
He volunteered for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He was an active member of the Webster Groves Community; the president of the PTA at Edgar Road School in Webster Groves, a long-time parishioner of Annunciation Church, and a member of numerous local government planning committees.
Later in his life, he got back into art, doing his famous 5-minute sketches whenever someone would allow him. His pieces were shown in many local art events and occasionally he won a prize. He always had a quick wit and a joke for those who would listen. When he got involved in the art world, he had business cards printed up that said “Tom Sepe: Creative Genius.” He liked dogs, but not so much cats. He had a brief stint of time owning a large donkey named Poncho, who could often be seen roaming the streets of Webster Groves, being chased down by the boys and Dorothy.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy “Dot” Sepe and his eldest son Michael (Patty). He leaves behind his sons: Jim (Teri), Scot (Jean), Peter (Holly), Jayson (Karen), Kelly (Kim), and Paul (Susan), as well as his 23 grand-and step-grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
SERVICES: Visitation will be on Thursday, May 9th at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd 63123) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. A service will be held at Annunciation Catholic Church (12 W Glendale Rd 63119) at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10th with a private burial service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. A gathering will be at the Bethesda Oaks Clubhouse Friday after the church service from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.
A memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.
Sharing our condolences to Tom’s family. He was a member of Art Saint Louis and we are so honored to have been of his acquaintance. As I write this, I’m looking at a 5-minute portrait that Tom did of me several years back. With sympathy, Robin Hirsch-Steinhoff, Art Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO.
On behalf of Bethesda Hospice, sending our deepest condolences for the loss of Tom. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Tom was a lively presence at our weekly art group. He always made sure to insert his sense of humor into our gatherings. He was an amazing artist. To his amazingly large family…I’m so sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing.
So sad to hear of Tom’s passing. We had breakfast and conversations every other week and he was always so overjoyed doing his quick sketches of the waitresses or anyone who would sit for him. He Took such pleasure in his art and sharing it with others. It was a blessing knowing Tom for a few years that I did and considering him a friend. Condolences to his family.
Tom was a most interesting person and a great artist! It was a please ure drawing with him in the studios and his art was incredible!
It is sad to hear of his passinga nd may his family find peace that he lived a good long life.
Tom was a very special person who loved to laugh. He enjoyed kidding me by saying “I said it first…”. I only knew him for a little while but I will never forget him. It was an honor to care for him and be in his company!
My condolences to Tom’ s family and friends. He touched my heart as I came to know him as a member of the St Louis Watercolor Society.. He was a deeply generous and creatively inspired person. 🙏♥️
I just heard of Tom’s passing. He was such a hoot! I will miss seeing him at the open studios!
I cherish a drawing that he did of me several years ago and now even more so!
So sad to hear this. At the Artists Guild Saturday afternoon sessions, Tom always greeted me with Hello Teach because I worked in a preschool. Forever clever and entertaining, in Tom we lost a gem.
I will miss Mr. Sepe Tremendously! He was my Favorite patient at work. He always brought me chocolates and loved to sketch portraits of me and my coworkers. He was always kind and asked about my family. My condolences to his family who he talked about often.