Thomas William Senuta

Obituary

Thomas William Senuta Sr. of Ledyard, CT and Mesa, AZ passed away on November 9, 2024 at the age of 84.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on April 26th, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church, 156 Providence St, Taftville CT. A graveside service will follow at St Joseph's Cemetery, 815 Boswell Ave, Norwich CT, and then a reception at Valentino's Restaurant, 725 Colonel Ledyard Hwy, Ledyard CT.

Tom was born in Norwich, CT to William and Georgianna Senuta. The eldest of three children, Tom entered the US Army in 1958. Serving in the military was one of the proudest moments of his life.

Tom was stationed in Germany in 1959, where he met Lilli, a single mother. They married in January of 1962 in Bernhausen, Germany and were married for 62 years. Later in 1962, Tom and Lilli came to the United States with her young son, Hans and then welcomed another son Thomas Jr.  They lived in Norwich, CT for a few years until 1970 when they bought a new house in Ledyard, CT where they have lived for 54 years.

Tom became a truck driver for Darrin's, a local food distributor in Norwich, which later became Bozzuto's. After a few years, he went on to drive the big rigs for Matlack and then Lightolier. Over his career, he drove millions of miles and received numerous awards for an impeccable driving record.

Tom enjoyed:
Working in the yard with Lilli.
Entertaining friends and family out at their swimming pool.
Lobster cookouts in the summertime.
Clamming in Rhode Island.
Riding his motorcycle.
Taking his dog Tanda for long walks.
Making his grandmother's potato cake for Christmas and Easter.
Doing crossword puzzles.
Going to flea markets.
Drinking beer including Yuengling Chestfield Ale, his very favorite.
Spending time at the family cabin in Vermont.
Visiting old friends and family back in Germany.
Tom also enjoyed the many years of being in the German Cultural Society, where Lilli was the president.

Tom was an avid collector of many things, including but not limited to beer memorabilia, die-cast trucks and matchbook covers. His impressive displays in the family room and the garage itself is a testament to his love of collecting.

Tom's passing came quickly. He was on a flight from Hartford to Phoenix when he had a heart attack mid-flight. It was the first time Tom had flown first class, so he was on top of the world and living large at the end.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lilli, his parents, brother David and grandson Benjamin Senuta.

He leaves behind his brother Bill, son Thomas Jr., daughter-in-law April, step-son Hans and his wife Michelle,
step-daughter Elke in Germany and sister-in-law Sharon.  He was also Opa to 5 grandsons, 2 granddaughters and 6 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project.

Tom is back with Lilli again, where he always wanted to be.

Gallery

Memory wall

April 22, 2025

This is the American Legion Post 04, Norwich.
Thomas was/is a member for 26 years..
Thomas served as our Senior Vice, when we closed the bar Thomas got most of the beer signs. I got to practice my German when Lili was there.
Rest in Peace Brother

Bruce Hostetler

April 21, 2025

Lilli was always my favorite sister in law. All I learned about entertaining, I learned from her. She had such style and grace.
Tom and Lil were the best God parents Bill and I could have chosen for our son, Nicholas.
May they both rest in peace. I hope
they know how much they are loved and missed!

Sharon Senuta

January 2, 2025

I am so grateful to have known both Lili and Tom Senuta I was there hairdresser for many years. I grew very fond of them and wanted to say I’m very sorry for your loss and they will always be remembered.🥰🙏

Jamie Daniels

December 13, 2024

My sincere condolences to Tom's family. I worked with Tom at Darrin's and Bazzuto's. I was a fairly new driver. Tom would always advise on the best routes to get to a stop or give the newbie driving tips. He always had a joke. He was one of the best guys in the barn. I also met his wife Lily years later when she worked for my mother-in-law's tailoring shop in Uncasville. They were both great people.

Lew Venturi

December 8, 2024

My condolences to all family ! Tom was my match cover collecting buddy for many years . Although we never met . We became friends and I’ll always remember Tom fondly , I loved his stories of his time in Germany , and of his time behind the wheel, all precious memories to him . I’ll miss your calls and emails Tom but I know you’re now where you want to be , back with Lili . .Goodbye my friend ! Memory Eternal !

Regina Hardin-Knezevich

December 5, 2024

Rest in Peace with the love of your life, Lilli. You deserve it. Much love

Sharon Senuta

December 1, 2024

I will always remember you like this.

April Senuta

December 1, 2024

Tom was our truck driver at Lightolier, he was always telling us stories or just putting that big smile on his face. Brightened my day. So sorry for your loss, there's comfort in knowing he is with Lili forever.

irene l wirhol