Thomas Formaro

January 17, 2023

Service Details

Obituary & Service
Messages

Thomas “Tommy” Formaro, 84, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2023, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines with Karen, his loving wife of 57 years at his side.

Tommy was born July 15, 1938, in Des Moines to Louie and Margarite Formaro. He grew up on the east side attending St. Joseph Grade School and Dowling High School. He was fortunate to be on the state Basketball State Championship Team of 57 and was on the All-Tournament Team. He was also recognized for his talent on the school’s football and baseball teams as well. Tommy went on to play football at Drake University. Tommy served in the Army and the Reserves before he decided to serve his community as a firefighter. He was proud to serve as a Lieutenant for many years until he was forced to retire due to an injury he suffered on the job. Besides being known for his athleticism, he was also known for his exceptional culinary skills both in the Army and at the different firehouses where he was stationed over the years. There was always something simmering on the stove. While on a date, Tommy ran into Karen Harris, or as he called her at the time “Little Harris” and they have been together ever since. They married in 1965 and they made their home on the southside of Des Moines. They had one daughter, Kimberly.

Tommy continues to love sports. He followed the Iowa Hawkeyes and over the years The Iowa State Cyclones as well. He was so proud to have his grandsons graduate from both universities. There was never a Saturday or Sunday that a game was not blaring on the radio in the garage. He continued to cheer on the Dowling Maroons over the years and was the number one fan of the football and baseball teams. Tommy helped celebrate the state championships for his grandsons’ baseball and 2 football teams.
Tom had a strong faith, in attending daily mass or a funeral of a friend or loved one. He had a wonderful outgoing personality and never knew a stranger. He would start up a conversation with all and make an impression on all that he met. He will be remembered for his kind, loyal, loving heart and of course his $2-dollar bills. You never left his home without something to eat or something to take home, Tom & Karen made sure of that. He literally would give you the shirt off of his back. To many he was known as “Papa Tom” and he was so proud when friends, family, or even a new acquaintance would acknowledge him with this familiar greeting.

His life and light will continue to shine bright through his loving wife, Karen, daughter, and son-in-law, Kim & Chris: grandchildren, Thomas Francis “Tommy” and Cortney, Joseph Louis “Joey” and Morgan, and great-granddaughter, Addison James “Addie”. He also leaves behind special nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends including his Dowling Lunch Bunch, a fellow retired and current firefighters, southside and east side neighbors, and relatives.

Tom’s family would like to thank all of his many doctors and nurses that helped him over the years, especially Dr. Zachary.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Lou and George Clemons; brother-in-law, George Harris; and joining him only a day later in heaven his brother-in-law, James Harris.

The family will greet friends Tuesday, January 24, 2023, from 5 pm to 7 pm with the Rosary prayed at 7 pm at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, January 25th at 10 am at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th Street.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established by the family to be specified at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Debbie Lewis

01/30/2023

My dad (Clair Schneider) was a fireman and also retired due to being injured on the job(1980). After dad was home from the hospital following his injury, Tommy came to visit him. I know it meant so much to dad. Tommy brought with him 2 Italian dishes that were absolutely delicious...enough for the whole brood! Another time, we were at Avon Beach and ran into Tommy and Karen. Tommy invited us to come over. I think I remember mom being a little hesitant because she wasn't 100 percent sure he had checked with Karen. There was 5 kids in the family at that time! Once there, I remember Tommy playing a Johnny Mathis album. It made me a fan and I think of that visit everytime I hear him sing. I will always think fondly of Tommy and will be thinking of your family.

Kimberly Formaro Miller

01/27/2023

As an educator, we often say the first and most important teacher in a childs life is their parents. I am certainly no exception. The lessons that I learned at 1815 Frazier by mom and dad are priceless and have shaped who I I am today. My parents have always been there for me and my family, and I am eternally grateful for them.
My dad was quite a preacher. I always thought that he would have made a great priest. He never shied away from telling his true feelings and letting everyone know exactly what he is thinking and why. We often joked well there is one way, the right way, it must be Toms way. He typically was never for a loss of words.
Today, I want to reflect not so much what he had to say but how he lived.
First, he was a man of strong faith. Over the years, he dealt with many health issues and he never lost his faith. He would attend daily mass often times a funeral of a dear loved one or simply an acquaintance to show his concern for the individual and their family. My dad often went to adoration and made his mission to share his faith by handing out religious items such as rosaries and prayer cards. He served the lord in our home saying grace and giving thanks to God for all that he was given.

Next, family was so very important to him. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, uncle, father, and grandfather. He lit up whenever he was in the presence of his family members. He would make his rounds to see all of his east side relatives often bringing them a pizza, clothes, or a treat or two. He never missed a game of Tommy or Joeys. Now, he might show up a little late if he stopped at the dollar store, but he loved to celebrate a big win or be there if they didnt come out on top. Family dinners were a big deal. Growing up, I was always in charge of rolling the meatballs, stirring the sauce, and later making homemade noodles with the machine that my dad got for me from Grazianos. The first time that I tried making the cavatelis and I literally had flour from one of the kitchen to the other, he stopped by and said, You got this and then quickly left to run errands. Holiday dinners you would always find the 3 of us, my mom, dad, and me, in the kitchen so that way we could quickly get the food on the table and eat it while it was hot. Of course, there was grace and every once in awhile a conversation that would put us on the edge of our seats because we werent always sure what Tom would say next.

My dad had strong work ethic. It was simple if you want to do something, be good at it, you got to work at it! He was blessed with his athleticism (my grandma always said that he got that from her side) but I was also told that in the middle of the winter my dad would shovel the drive way on Easton to shoot hoops. He would hitch hike to school or stay with a friends family to attend the Old Dowling. He was proud to be firefighter and loved to cook for the firehouse. I loved seeing him at work. He taught me so many things like how to shoot free throws, how to carve a pumpkin, how to do the 3-step, and most importantly by the age of 10, I was a master at shooting craps.

My dad also worked for an older woman named, Dilly. Her husband had died and she had no children so he started off with some yard work. Later, taking her shopping and to appointments were added to his work load. Before long Dilly was like family attending our holiday get togethers and meals. Often, I would go with my dad where he would ask me to play the piano. (Believe me I was not worthy to play on her grand piano.) While cleaning out one of his lock boxes I discovered many many checks from Delma Reppert that never were cashed. I truly believe that she lived much longer because she had my dad in her life-a son that she never had.
After retiring, my dad filled many of his days volunteering at Luther Park. My grandmother was a resident there for many years. Later after she was gone my dad became an Ombudsman and has been recognized for his many years serving as a volunteer. My dad made a point to chat with all of the people, residents, workers, and guests. When Chris & I would go see my grandma, it was quite the experience to see all of their eyes light up when Tommy made his way around the room.

Yeah, my dad worked hard and he played even harder. Life was just too short to be serious all of the time. He loved to embarrass me wearing different shoes, a red/white polka dotted beanie, or walking on his hands in our front yard, talking to a mannequin, anything and everything to get a reaction from one of us. Growing up the kids in the neighborhood would come over, knock on the door, and ask me if my dad could come out and play. I never missed having any siblings because I always had my dad to play with.

My dad was a good judge of character. He saw the good in others and didnt like to gossip. He had this way that made you feel important. He didnt care if you were the most important, the richest business person or a clerk at the local Quick Trip. He would go out of his way to say something kind or to acknowledge you in some way. Out to dinner we often found out the waitress life story and how many kids she has because my dad would give her 2 dollar bills for each of them. He loved the underdog. Tommy and Joey were very fortunate to be on some pretty talented traveling teams growing up and we had our share of wins and championships. You would sometimes find Papa Tom on the other teams stands giving them a cheer or two. I remember at the old South Des Moines Baseball park watching a son and mom leaving the field. The mom saying, Where did you get that 2 dollar bill and why? in heated voice. I would have to explain. Oh, that was from my dad. He thought your son pitched a hell of a game. Funny, growing up the players of our rivals became fans for my dad and our family when they played together at Dowling.

My dad has had some very special friends over the years. He treasured the time he spent with you all golfing, working out at the YMCA, serving on the Knights of Columbus, and attending monthly lunches with his Dowling Lunch Bunch. He thought the world of his classmates and was so very blessed that your friendships have lasted over time. My dad recently received a letter from someone that is now attending these lunches that actually went to North High School. It said that he missed him at one of the lunches and wanted to thank him for extending the invitation to him and his wife to attend these lunches. It went on to say that my dad was the best athlete in the state back then and that playing against him made him a better athlete trying to match up with him. It went on further to say, that he liked the way he made everybody around him feel good and that when he walks into a room it puts a smile on everybody!
Growing up, I absolutely loved to hear the very many stories of my dad from being a stud on that infamous Class of 57, directing traffic at a busy intersection, to the many tricks he played on friends. I never ever get tired of hearing them and would love to continue to share these stories today and every day.

Please know that he is in a much better place. His health had taken a toll on him. Although we will miss him like crazy, we also know that there are no more pills to take, doctor appointments, procedures, or suffering. After my dad had passed, I said to him this is not how I wanted to get the last word, but I know that he always will because I have his memories, his words, and the way that he lived to continue to help guide me even through this. I want to continue his lifes purpose, have faith, work hard, play harder, love your friends and family, and spread the love and maybe even a 2 dollar bill or two.

David M. Gardella

01/25/2023

Thinking of you and wishing you and your family moments of peace and comfort.
Keeping you in my warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
David M. Gardella

Michelle Chambers

01/24/2023

Love, Joy, compassion, caring.. in everything Tommy did. The world was a better place with Tommy in it. Theres not a person that knew him that didnt experience the same. And his love for Jesus was evident in everything he did and said. Without a doubt, there was a beautiful homecoming in heaven. You will be missed Tommy. Love and prayers to Karen, Kim & family

Jodi Sanford

01/24/2023

We were blessed with a larger than life neighbor! Tommy could cook better than anyone, he spent time with all the kids and also was a great friend to our family.
The 2 dollar story has touched generations in my family. I have one my kids have one and my grandkids also have one. They have represented empathy and compassion that was given to us when we needed it. My sympathy and prayers to Karen and family.

Jerry and Mary Jo Gamble

01/22/2023

When Tommy enters the Pearly Gates, his heavenly Father, family, friends and fans will be cheerleading: Tommy! Tommy! Tommy! As a sophomore at The Academy, I was at the 1957 Dowling championship basketball game and 50+ years later have never forgotten Tommy's winning shot. To this day my husband is still talking about the wonderful meals Tommy served to the reservists at Camp McCoy; rather than eating with the officers, the Post Commander preferred eating Tommy's meals in the mess hall, especially his stuffed peppers. My husband and I enjoyed so much Karen and Tommy's friendship at Christ the King. Some years ago we received two of the coveted two dollar bills from Tommy and they remain a treasure to us. Our sympathy, prayers and love to Karen and the family. Jerry and Mary Jo Gamble, Tucson AZ

Angel Hower

01/21/2023

He will always be Uncle Tommy to me. Loved the time we spent at Uncle Tommy and Aunt Karens house growing up when we visited grandma and grandpa. Loved hearing him come into grandmas house. Always made her smile! He will be missed.

Fr. Al Sherbo

01/21/2023

Sorry to read of Toms death. Remember him from basketball championship and from my time at Christ the King, where we had occasional conversations after Mass. He was a man of strong faith and witness, a great model to all. Will be unable to make the services, but will offer a Mass for him and keep his family and friends in my prayers. God be with you all.

Dawn Whipple Evans

01/20/2023

I have the greatest memories of Tommy. He was a Firemen with my Daddy Arthur Whipple. Whenever he would come over to our house. He would take us to the Big Dipper Ice Cream shop on 42nd Street. Your entire family are in my prayers. Much Love ❤

Larry Spina

01/20/2023

Tom and I were best friends in high school,Drake and Years after. He was in my wedding and he leaves me with so many wonderful memories. I miss him.

Rob and Coleen

01/20/2023

Dear Formaro Families
Our heartfelt condolences to each of you. May eternal rest grant unto Tommy oh Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of the faithfully departed thru the mercy of God rest In Peace amen.
Sincerely
The Swisher Family
Thanks for the gatorades Tommy

Niki Dale

01/18/2023

You were the sweetest most loving soul.. I hope you're up there handing out $2 bills to everyone.. love you Uncle Tom