Thomas Michael Budzik passed peacefully in his sleep on Monday, June 29, 2026 after a long and difficult nine year battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Thom (with an "h"!) was born in Shadyside, Ohio, on July 7, 1939 ("The seventh day of the seventh month," he always said.) The first child of Michael and Leona Budzik. The family grew over subsequent years to include two brothers, Gerald (deceased) and Michael Budzik both of whom Thom remained close to throughout his life.

Thom was always "fixing things" around the house as he was growing up and over time became a skilled, self-taught plumber, electrician, carpenter, auto mechanic and all-around handyman. He was always willing to put these skills to good use for friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances.

Thom graduated from Shadyside High School in 1957 and immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force. Thom demonstrated an aptitude and interest in radar and electronic communications and quickly became a highly skilled technician in the USAF. As a young airman Thom served on the crew of the USAF's first operational flight of the AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft on March 31, 1977. In 2012 Thom and his wife, Jo, joined the other members of this historic first flight crew as guests of honor at the the induction of their aircraft into the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio.

Thom went on to have a distinguished 30 year career in the USAF retiring in 1987 at the age of 48 and the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

Thom and Jo Anne spent a number of years living in California and Texas after Thom's military retirement. After Jo Anne's retirement in 2002 they moved to the home they built and love on Cathance Lake in rural downeast Cooper, Maine. They continued to winter in Texas until Thom's health no longer allowed him to travel such distance in Spring 2023.

Thom was a devoted husband to Jo and an active and involved father and family man to his extended family. In recent years, Thom enjoyed visits and FaceTime calls with his grandkids. Thom regretted that Parkinson's Disease robbed him of his ability to actively engage and play with his great-grandchildren, but he still derived great joy in seeing and celebrating their births, growth and achievements.

Thom was an outdoorsman who enjoyed camping and RVing, boating, fishing, and of course tinkering on things. He was also never happier than when he was serving as grill master and master of ceremonies for family, community, or squadron picnics, events or spending time at his lovely lake home.

Thom is survived by his loving and devoted wife and companion of 36 years, Jo Anne Budzik and their children and spouses: Timothy Budzik; Tamara Mitchell & Paul Anderson; Todd & Sherilynn Budzik; Trisha Lessard; and Cheryle & Geoff Wilcox. He also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Kassandra & David Kinney, Kamryn Kinney, Shobai and Chayton Budzik; Alex & Amanda Mitchell, Brielle, Audrey, Vivian, and Silas Mitchell; Adrienne & Alex Leach; Isaac & Sarah Mitchell; Nicholas Budzik & Mark Namba, Makensie Budzik, Joshua Lessard, Patrick Bilodeau, and Grace and Haley Wilcox. Extended family include Doris Budzik, Michael & Melody Budzik; Michelle & Alex Hipple, Jack Hipple, Kate Hipple, and Manda & Brian Thompson, and Kim Budzik.

A graveside service with military honors will be held 1:30 p.m. Monday, August 3, 2026, at Acadia National Cemetery, 1799 US Route 1, Jonesboro, ME. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared at www.MaysFuneralHome.com