Obituary of Thomas Neal Gestri

Thomas Neal Gestri passed away unexpectedly in his Santa Cruz home on April 25, 2011. Born to Bud and Norma Gestri in Long Beach, California on January 29, 1944, Tom grew up and attended high school in Livermore, CA. Long time residents of Santa Cruz, Tom and his wife Kathryn were married for more than twenty years. They met by chance when rowing on Monterey Bay. Tom loved sailing, crossing the Pacific several times. He took his family on exciting and exotic sailing vacations to such places as Baja and New Zealand. A true ocean-lover, he also surfed, fished, rowed, and paddled. An accomplished builder and concrete engineer, Tom built the family home in Santa Cruz, a home in Hilo, Hawaii, a garden for Kathryn and homes for the family's rabbits, chickens, dogs and, cats. Recently Tom rediscovered his love of music, a passion he shared with his twin teenage boys Chris and Danny (who have their own band, Rapid Fire). Tom could play almost any instrument, including saxophone, piano, and trumpet. He will be remembered most for his sense of humor, his adventurous spirit, his love for animals and the ocean, and for being a proud husband and father. Tom is survived by his wife Kathryn; his sons Tony (and wife Gina), Chris, and Danny Gestri; his brother David Gestri; his sister Pam Gestri, and many cherished friends. The family asks that any condolences and donations be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County ( www.hospicesantacruz.org) in Tom's name, supporting grief counseling and those suffering from depression.