Obituary
Thomas Lawrence Budd passed away on August 13, 2023, at 80 years of age. Tom passed away peacefully at his home in Lakewood Ranch, FL with his wife, Patricia Budd by his side.
Tom was born in Woodbury, NJ on December 12, 1942, to the parents of William Allen Budd and Alice Thomas Budd and older brother Dirk Budd. Tom grew up in Woodbury, NJ attending Woodbury High School, where he graduated in 1960. Tom was an avid tennis player and ran track in Highschool. Tom went on to attend Lafayette College, leaving to join the U.S. Army where he become a Sergeant. Tom returned from the Army and attended Earlham College, where he graduated with a Degree in Psychology. Tom spent his career in the military and government, ending his career as a Special Agent for the U.S. Treasury Department.
Tom met the love of his life, Patricia Lore Raver in elementary school in Woodbury, NJ. Tom knew that she was the one in fifth grade and began his wooing of her, by delivering a gift of nail polish to Patti at her home. Tom and Patti were married on August 19, 1967, and even after 56 years of marriage were still completely in love. Tom continued to show his love to Patti with surprise gifts of jewelry until his final days.
Tom and Patti moved to Kansas City, Missouri in the 70’s where they raised their two girls, Laura, and Julie. They spent their weekends as a family boating on the lake or camping in their RV. Tom enjoyed the outdoors and being active, taking his family on an unforgettable month-long vacation in their RV through all of Colorado. Tom was an amazing husband and father who had a zest for life that was contagious when you were with him. Tom coached his daughter, Laura, in basketball and soccer and was always front and center when she played soccer later in high school. Tom was a wonderful provider and ensured that his family knew the importance of having financial stability but also taught his family the importance of living your life now and enjoying it in the moment. Tom loved his family, always being the pillar of strength, they needed.
Tom and Patti retired and moved from Kansas City to Florida and Colorado, spending their time between the two beautiful states. They were avid hikers and loved to enjoy the outdoors of Colorado where they could breathe in the fresh air and walk the beauty of the land. In Florida, they spent their time enjoying the beach and fantastic seafood that Tom would enjoy every second he could. They spent time taking cruises throughout the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos, Virgin Islands, and many other beautiful areas. Tom and Patti enjoyed their retirement years in style and always active.
If you knew Tom, you knew he never met a stranger. Tom was charismatic and charming and met friends everywhere he went. Together, Tom and Patti were a couple everyone wanted to be around. Tom and Patti settled full-time in Florida where they enjoyed their later years with their children and grandchildren. Tom is survived by his wife, Patti Budd, daughter Laura Hobbs and grandchildren Abbie Rogers, Jack Hobbs and Mia Hobbs.
Tom wanted a very private memorial service that his family is honoring but if you wish to pay tribute to the life of Tom Budd, please donate to The Wounded Warrior Project: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Sarah McHaffie (formerly Sarah Klotz)