Thomas Shay June 4, 1958 – April 23, 2026 Tommy lived with a deep appreciation for balance and harmony, guided by the ancient Chinese philosophies of Wu Xing and Yin-Yang. He believed in the interconnectedness of all things, embracing the idea that opposites—light and dark, strength, and softness—work together to create meaning and beauty in the world. This belief was reflected in his tattoos, which featured symbols such as the yin-yang, the sun and moon, and the dragon and tiger. Tommy was an artist at heart. In his younger years, he spent his time making music with friends, drawing, and exploring different forms of creative expression. As he grew older, his passion for art did not fade—it evolved into something he could share. He passed this love on to his daughter, Ella, teaching her to listen closely to music and to develop her own artistic voice across many mediums. Tommy’s life was shaped by his experiences beyond home. One of those, shortly after high school, was his service in the United States Navy, traveling to many parts of the world. This adventurous spirit stayed with him, and he continued to explore the world with family and friends and through various career paths. These travels broadened his perspective and strengthened the beliefs he carried throughout his life. At his core, Tommy found his greatest happiness in bringing joy to others. He loved to entertain and cook, often grumbling through the preparation, yet always going above and beyond to create memorable moments for family and friends. His generosity of spirit was unmistakable—he never did anything halfway if it meant making someone else smile. Tommy had a gift for connection. A quick trip to the store could easily turn into hours, as he ran into friends and happily lost track of time in conversation. Whether reconnecting with old friends over the phone or striking up conversations with new ones, he cherished every opportunity to share stories, laughter, and companionship. He had a deep love for classic films and television, especially the suspenseful works of Alfred Hitchcock and the humor of The Honeymooners and The Odd Couple. At home, he found joy in playful moments—when Helen, his wife, annoyed him, she was his “Felix,” and when she was quirky, she was his “Lucy.” He often greeted her with a cheerful “Lucy, I’m home!” a reflection of their loving and spirited bond. To him, she was both a steady presence and a source of lighthearted mischief. To Helen, he was her “Big Teddy Bear” who was kind, patient, and always thinking of her first. He had a way of turning ordinary days into something special. Above all, music was one of Tommy’s greatest passions, second only to his love for his daughter, who shared in that same joy. Together, they spent countless hours exchanging songs, discovering new sounds, and laughing over how a melody could linger in their minds long after the music stopped—sometimes even keeping them awake through the night. He held many roles over the years before finding his place in broadcast television and film production and post-production. He worked as an Executive Producer for more than 25 years. In later years, he found fulfillment closer to home, working as a school bus driver in his community for a decade, a role that reflected his care and deep connection to those around him. Tommy not only joined but volunteered at the Palisades Presbyterian Church assisting with the midnight runs and mobile soup kitchen ministry, traveling to Manhattan to feed the hungry. Later, he was immensely grateful when the Palisades Presbyterian Church clergy and congregation assisted him in his time of need. Tommy will be remembered for his warmth, his humor, and his unwavering desire to bring happiness to those around him. With Helen and Ella, he found beauty in life’s simple moments—flowers, especially red and yellow roses, gazing at the stars and moon, watching thunderstorms roll in, and taking in the colors of a sunset. A thoughtful and reflective person, Tommy took great care with his words and actions, often pausing to consider and understand deeply. He was endlessly curious, always researching and exploring anything that captured his interest or that of those he loved. He often spoke of his family as his universe—Helen as the sun, himself as the moon, and his daughter Ella as the stars. Those who knew Tommy felt his warmth immediately and loved him just as quickly. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his family, and yet his presence will forever remain close in their hearts and minds. Tommy will be remembered for loving with his whole heart. Tommy is survived by his wife, Helen; his daughter Ella; and his older sisters, Dorothy Thornton and Bernadette Dingle.