In 1986 Tom and i were 2 of 5 five supervisors DOT hired to set up an in house PVB collections unit. The job of setting up a collection unit from scratch was incredibly difficult because of the many "actors" that insisted on, this is how we do it, and go away you guys in collections bother me. Within 18 months, Tom provided a blue print tying in all different agencies, departments, and units. Many of the sop's Tom created 28 years back, are still in effect today.

I will never forget the second time i became aware of Tom's brilliance , one time there was a meeting with our brand new commissioner and various other , once the meeting was over , the commissioner asked if anyone had taken notes of all the good ideas that were discussed , of course no one had , but our Tom said not to worry , he could put something that would be presentable , less than 2 hours later , Tom asked me to read his document , of course Tom was very thorough , it was not only presentable and accurate ,  Tom actually had the minutes of the meeting quoting individual's exact wording , i was so impressed by his work , all i could say is WOW Tom , who had the recorder in the room. It was soon after this action that i began to call Tom, MY MENTOR; he was always appreciative of me verbally giving him this title. Tom took me under his wing and began instilling on me his experience and wisdom on managing a collection department, his professional advice has guide my 29 years with the city of N.Y. collection department. 

sometime in the early 90's we were part of DOF"s softball team , yeah, yeah ,we were never very good , not even to challenge for any championship , but to this day i still say Tom was the best softball player i ever saw. We had some great discussions / arguments about some New York teams these arguments brought us closer together as men, tears for me, for i won't have a true sport connoisseur that i could relate. 

Once Tom invited me, and later my Wife Sonia, and daughters to see his plays, the brilliance of his mind blossom for all to see (sorry Kevin, Tom always said you are better, but to me he was the best) i get so excited just thinking of his ability to convey the mood of the moment that could be understood by the audience. in many ways our interactions as co-worker , arguments about sports ,memories about a particular sentence in a movie , " chuco" from the good the bad and the ugly "freddo" from the godfather , "bogart" from the Maltese falcon , these were the moments that made our relationship priceless , since it brought out the man in each of us . You can now rest in peace my friend. I will see you many times in the future, with your hearty laugh, scrubby beard enjoying a sandwich, inviting me to join you in conversation. " you have been ,and always will be a friend."  

I only want to have good thoughts and memories of my dear, close friend Tom.