Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Tom Dundis, age 66, of Cocoa Beach, Florida passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 8th from a year long battle with Bulbar ALS.
Tom was originally born in Omaha, Nebraska. His tennis carrer took him around the country for his coaching opportunities and he ended up making his home here in Cocoa Beach.
Tom had been a staple in the tennis community for 20 years as the Head Pro at Kiwinas Island Park, Merritt Island, Fl. He was loved and respected by is students young and old.
Some say his teaching /coaching was a bit unorthodox but that creative qualtiy is what made him innovative and special. He taught his students how to communicate with their partners and read the opponent while keeping it competitive and fun.
Tom was also a musician and learned to play music when he met his wife Melissa. He was passionate about it and learned fast and when the neighbors told them “it was time to get out of the living room and play out”. We listened.
Their first band was called “Good Time’N”, in which he played for 11 years locally and at Bluegrass Festivals. After that Tom played with “Acoustic Ramblers”. In both bands the music was of Americana and Blugrass genres with their own arrangements added for flavor. Toms’ love was the banjo first then guitar and foot drums. Then MORE BANJO!
Tom was loved by all who knew him. He developed deep and lasting friendships. And who can forget his laugh!
Tom is survived by his wife Melissa M. Dundis and his brothers Greg Dundis; Andy Dundis and Matt Dundis.
Arrangements are under the direction of Millennium Cremation Service. Condolences may be shared online at www.millenniumcremationservice.com
Our caring professionals are here to assist you and your family during this difficult time. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to assist in immediate arrangements or pre-arrangements.
The Family of Tom Dundis
August 16, 2024, 12:58 pm
There will be a Celebration of Life for Tom at his home September 14th at 4:00 p.m.
Krystal Jones
August 16, 2024, 4:43 pm
I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of such an amazing man! While I never got the chance to meet him, it is clear that he will be missed by so many. Sending love and light to all that mourn his loss.
David Straka
August 16, 2024, 8:48 pm
Farewell cousin Tom. You will forever remain in our thoughts.
Greg Dundis
August 16, 2024, 9:47 pm
Tom was a brother in every sense of the word. Always eager to dive head-first into any family gathering. Always enthused to share what he had, whether it was hospitality, or professional expertise, or even just his overall joyful outlook.
His solid coaching record was built on unique communication skills. Once, years ago, he talked me into an effective golf swing. Instantly. After umpteen shanks. And I don’t even like golf.
Most amazing of all was Tom’s abrupt emergence – well into middle age – as a musician. And a damn good one. His music revealed the man: respect for the roots, with his heart emblazoned on his sleeve.
The list goes on. For someone with so many upsides to be stopped short by sheer bad luck is just… wrong.
And yet, here we are.
I miss ya, bro.
Greg
Tabarcea Tabarcea
August 17, 2024, 3:12 am
Sending healing thoughts at this time . Tim was fun, and we enjoyed our times with him and Melissa at couples resort
Ronnie and Terri
Virginia Prescott
August 17, 2024, 4:41 pm
Unorthodox and creative. No surprise there. I am so very sorry to hear of this loss. May the memory of his full life be a blessing to Melissa and all who love him.
XO
Lynnhutchinson@hotmail.com
August 24, 2024, 12:43 am
Tom was such an incredible friend well beyond his role as our tennis coach. He was a family friend because of the bonds he made with us over the many years teaching all of us separately. The memories are too great to list but I will say Tom’s greatest gift was kindness, a coaching moment and a big smile. His encouragement and laugh (outside of tennis misses) made him a person to love. We miss you!
The Hutchinson Family (Lynn, Scott, Matthew, and Mike)
Crossley
August 30, 2024, 4:02 am
I am so sorry to hear about Tom. I met him a few years ago when I moved down the street and always noticed him walking his dog. What stood out was the ebb and flow between them. One day after witnessing it for months, I introduced myself. This is when I learned of “Tom and Jerry”. I learned a great deal from him in our occasional chats about Jerry! Having dogs of my own, I admired and had much respect for how they moved together. The respect and control Tom had from him, without words. I understand how that develops even if I don’t posses the patience and consistent mastering of myself required to develop such a connection. I don’t think many dog owners do, even though we desire it. It brought me joy to see them together and his shared insight, jokes and stories. Although my interaction with him was not outside of neighborly passing conversation, him being an extraordinary person stands out. And I did notice his absence even if I didn’t know he was sick. He never complained of a thing! I had no idea. And I will miss the sight of seeing Tom and Jerry in sync together!
Suzanne Kube
August 31, 2024, 2:53 pm
I have been waiting to post. I am still feeling sad and emotional about the loss of Tom. He was sooo much more than a tennis coach, to me. So many years, together. He uplifted and encouraged me in so many ways. He was a confidant, mentor and best of all an amazing friend. He never put up with excuses or BS, for his players or himself. I loved that about him. I was blessed to see him in his native environment, performing with Melissa and their band. I will always remember Tom Dundis with a smile and a heart brushed with love for him. He was one heck of a guy and is so missed.
I hope that, in heaven, he doesn’t have to cut gout holes out of his shoes. Those holes never held him back and winning a rally, against him, was met with the huge Tom smile. Rest with Jesus, my friend.
I am praying for peace and strength for you, Melissa and your family.❤️
Suzanne Kube
August 31, 2024, 3:03 pm
I will remember Tom, for the rest of my life! Coach, encourager, friend, musician. He was one of a kind and I think of him often.
Prayers to Melissa and family for peace and strength! I love you, Tom! Rest in the arms of Jesus.
Ginger Ballou
September 13, 2024, 7:05 pm
I will miss Tom’s smile and laughter on the tennis courts at Kiwanis. He was always positive and full of encouragement, and always willing to share a tennis tip to help me be a better player, even when I was not taking a lesson or class from him. He will be deeply missed by many!