Thomas A. Mayer

Thomas Arthur Mayer, 78, of Port St. Lucie, Florida passed away at Treasure Coast Hospice House in Stuart, Florida on February 13, 2016 surrounded by his three loving children whom he loved and laughed with. Dad was born in Gary, Indiana on April 11, 1937 and was preceded in death by his wife Kay V. Mayer , his parents Arthur and Hazel Mayer and his older brother Richard “Dick” Mayer. Our Dad lived his life the same way that he left his life: in control and on his terms.

Dad is survived by his three children: Kathy K. Cavaretta (Charles), Cynthia S. Schiller (Donald), Scott T. Mayer (Sarah), grandchildren: Amy E. Dunham, Jennifer K. Cavaretta, Alexa K. Schiller, Thomas J. Schiller, Jewel T. Mayer, and Dad’s younger sister Judith Weinheimer of Valparaiso, Indiana. Dad also is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The memorial service honoring our Dad will be held at Haisley Funeral & Cremation and Tribute Center, 20141 S.W. Bayshore Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, FL 34984 on February 19, 2016 viewing from 11 am to 1 pm with his funeral service to immediately follow. Internment will be at Rolling Oaks Cemetery.

Dad met our late mother Kay at Merrillville High School where he was a quarterback on the football team and she was a cheerleader. Mom and Dad were happily married for 56 years before she preceded him in death just 10 months earlier after a courageous battle with COPD. Mom and Dad’s 56 year commitment to each other has been an inspiration to all of us. Dad would affectionately call her ‘Kaycup’ and he was devastated when she passed away at Treasure Coast Hospice House 10 months earlier.

Dad’s first retirement was from GMAC where he worked as a Finance Manager for 25 plus years. After being at home for a short time, he decided retirement was not for him and he rejoined the workforce and worked as a Collection Specialist in the law firm of Marc Cohen for many years. Dad described his work with Marc as one of the most enjoyable jobs he ever had. Dad shared many fond memories of the people that started out as coworkers, but then later became friends.

Dad’s gifts were many and one of them was that he could design and then create with his own hands beautiful wood projects in his workshop. We would reverently describe him as a Master Woodworker as his gifts and passion would manifest in a beautifully crafted work of art. All made with love for the people that he loved.

Dad took great pride in being a good husband, good father, good provider, and good leader. Dad could also fix anything, literally anything. Dad was a Christian man that wasn’t afraid to play cards, have an occasional cold Miller Lite and was the biggest fan of Grandma’s Dinner Rolls – which you better eat correctly or it was considered just plain sacrilegious. Dad was happiest when he was spending time with his family and helping the people that he loved.

Our Dad was once described by a close family friend as being the ‘mantle’. One definition of mantle is “the authority or responsibility connected with someone’s position, duties, or beliefs”, “clothe in or as if in a mantle; cloak or envelop”. We find ourselves temporarily adrift and without our mantle that we can see; but we are forever wrapped and protected in our Dad’s love for us in our hearts and souls.

Donations may be made in Mr. Mayer's honor to the American Cancer Society at https://www.crowdrise.com/acsresearch or Treasure Coast Hospice at http://www.tchospice.org/giving/donate/

Arrangements are under the direction of Haisley Funeral and Cremation Services Tribute Center 2041 SW Bayshore Blvd Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34984. www.haisleyfuneral home.com