Thomas E. Szymczak, 72, passed away on November 23 at AccentCare Hospice after a short illness. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Alois and Eleanore Szymczak.

Tom is survived by brother James Szymczak (Laurie Kildegaard) and also by his "extended" family: Shirley Uribe, Lisa Uribe Harbeck, Bill Harbeck, Michelle and Haley Campbell, John, Jenni and Alex Uribe, Dan, Penni and John Uribe, and Maggie and Dale Paoletti.

Tom's career took him to many places across the U.S. and other countries, where he made many close friends: Charlene, Jeff and Rachael Matthews, Gary Skaggs, Ben Bamford, Ron Volz, Jeff Relue, and Ron Bethel to name a few.

Tom attended Boys' Tech HS, MATC, and MSOE and worked as a Biomedical engineer for his entire career, starting at GE Healthcare and ending at Hologic Systems. Tom enjoyed working in imaging technology and was thrilled to find that his Oncology MD, Jennifer Connelly, had previously pursued Biomedical engineering.

Tom played hockey for many years starting at Wilson Park ice arena and had a very brief stint with the Milwaukee Admirals. For years after, he continued playing pick-up hockey at Wilson Park with friends. Tom enjoyed working with Biomedical engineers in other countries and recounted the fun he had in Saudi Arabia teaching his coworkers how to play tennis.

Tom retired at 62 so he could continue to travel the world, listen to music, and spend time with those he cherished. During the winter months he enjoyed Florida and on Thursday nights he met up with friends Ben, Zak, Richard and Norm at the De Bine Brewing company. Tom said this weekly ritual was priceless.

Recently, Tom lived with Lisa and Bill Harbeck and spent extended time with the Uribe clan while he underwent treatment for Glioblastoma brain cancer.

Tom would want his friends and acquaintances to think of him fondly while they travel around the world. It was important to Tom to "just have fun and enjoy life." Words that he lived by. He taught us the importance of spending time with those you care about.

Many thanks to Froedtert Cancer Services at Menomonee Falls campus, especially Dr. Ciana Ellison, Dr. Jennifer Connelly, and Radiation and Medical Oncology staff. Also, thank you to Eernisse Funeral Home.

No formal services are planned at this time.

Memorials appreciated to the MCW Brain Tumor Research Program – https://mcwsupport.mcw.edu/braintumorresearch or send checks to MCW Brain Tumor Research Program -mail to Dr Jennifer Connelly, Dept of Neuro – MCW, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226, The National Keratoconus Foundation, or to the AccentCare Hospice Foundation.