Thomas "Tom" Michael Crook

Thomas “Tom” Michael Crook was born in Fall River, MA, on June 24, 1941. He passed away away July 29, 2023 on his wife Joan’s birthday.

As the son of the late Raymond and Veronica Crook, his early years were spent roaming the shores of the lighthouses of West Chop on Martha’s Vineyard, Chatham on Cape Cod, and Portland, Maine; where his father was stationed as the Keeper of the Light. While growing up in Maine he spent many summers at the family’s lake cabin. Many memories were made at the lake including selling night crawlers as fishing bait to locals and tourists. His teenage years were spent in Florida when his family moved to the Largo area. During his High School years, he met the love of his life, Joan Abbott. They finished high school together. However, they didn’t go to the Senior Prom together and as for the reason, we will now never know. After receiving his degree in education from Florida State University, he began his career with the Pinellas County School system as a chemistry teacher. Tom furthered his studies, eventually receiving a Master’s Degree in Education and shifting from teaching to administration for the Florida Public School System.

In 1964, he and Joan embarked upon what would become their 53 year marriage. Tom showed his love and devotion to her throughout their marriage, but especially as he cared for her after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and through her passing in 2017.

He was a proud father to three children who remember his big personality, desire to travel and love for baseball, especially the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox. Upon retirement, he and Joan settled in Asheville where his love for nature and photography began to blossom. Volunteering at both the Arboretum and Cataloochee Valley were two of his favorite pursuits. In 2015, his daughter Michelle and he fulfilled a lifelong dream and hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail.

Aside from being a husband and father, he loved and embraced his role as a grandfather. His grand kids referred to him as the “papa”-razzi as he showed up to every event with his camera in hand. He always enjoyed their visits in Florida, whether it be a Tampa Bay Rays game or Busch Gardens trip. Once all “the grands” were in Asheville there were frequent adventure days that always included a stop for ice cream. Tom was always known to yell “Play Ball” at every sporting event that played our National Anthem. The Enka Jets and Sugar Jets will forever have his support.
Tom was a long time member of the Episcopal Church. Serving on the vestry and as a lay person for first the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Dunedin Florida, and later the Cathedral of All Souls in Asheville, his spiritual journey also led him to partake in several mission trips to the Dominican Republic.

He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Crook of Clearwater, FL and Carol Donahue and her husband Michael of Candler; son, Thomas M. Crook II and his wife, Carol Duermit, of Candler; and grandchildren, Sharon and Kevin Donahue and Camden Crook, all of Candler.

Tom will be remembered as a true family man and supportive friend who carried an adventurous spirit throughout his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cathedral of All Souls, 9 Swan St., Asheville, NC 28803 on Friday, August 4 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to All Souls Cathedral Music Program or Enka High School Baseball team.