Anchorage, Alaska - A master of bad dad puns, Tom Adzima passed away April Fools' Day, 2025. Fitting, really. Always quick with a sarcastic comeback, Tom left this world peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. While we're sure he had some final witty remark, we'll have to wait to hear it in the great beyond.

Tom was born in Hadley to John and Dorothy (Hazen) Adzima. As a farm boy, he and his brother Bruce found plenty of trouble to get into—much to their mother's dismay. When it came time to choose a career, she let him decide what kind of engineer he wanted to be. He chose chemical engineering and earned his degree from Grove City College.

Tom met Jean (Patterson) in school, and they continued dating through his college years. They married Dec. 28, 1963, and began their life together in Cleveland, Ohio, where Tom started his career at SOHIO. Never one to waste time, he earned a master's degree from Case Western Reserve while raising two children, Jay and Jeff. With the arrival of their daughter, Jennifer, the family packed up for an even greater adventure, moving north to Alaska.

In 1974, Tom played a key role in building the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, introducing computer systems to improve oil field operations. He worked for SOHIO/BP for 50 years and proved that even in retirement, he wasn't one to sit still. He and Jean traveled the world visiting the Holy Land, tracing John Calvin's footsteps in Europe, and cruising the Baltic Sea. He always said it was a long way from the farm.

Tom will be remembered for his love of photography, and the adventures it sparked. From midnight northern lights scouting, to birdwatching at Chena Lake, to taking portraits for the First Presbyterian Church directory, he captured beauty everywhere he went.

A man of deep faith, Tom was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon, elder, and wherever needed. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He had all the answers (usually delivered with sarcasm), and if you needed a laugh, he was your guy.

Tom is survived by his children, Jeff (Bobbi) Adzima of Willow and Jennifer (Ira) Adzima Chikoyak of Eagle River; his brother Bruce (Linda) Adzima; sisters-in-law Carol Adzima and Karen Patterson; and his beloved grandchildren—Brad, Ben, Blake, Christian, and Joe. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Tom.

He is now reunited in heaven with his wife, Jean; his eldest son, Jay; his parents; his brother, Gene Adzima; and many dear friends and loved ones. No doubt, there's already a witty reunion happening up there.

A graveside service will be held at Hadley Cemetery at 2 p.m. June 7, followed by a small reception at Rainbow Valley, where Tom will be laid to rest beside his beloved Jean.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Tom's name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation

A burial will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. June 7 at Hadley Cemetary, 40 Township Road 690, Hadley, PA 16130.