Thomas Franklin Harbaugh

Thomas Franklin Harbaugh October 17,1946 - April30,2021 Tom passed away at Sutter Roseville Hospital in the early morning hours on April 30th from congestive heart failure with his family by his side. He was born on October 17, 1946 to Dorothy and Paul in Lynwood, California. The oldest of 5 boys, he grew up in his early years in several states since his father had chosen the Navy as his career. In the late 1950’s, the family settled in La Jolla, California and he graduated from La Jolla High School in 1964. In 1965 Tom and two of his closest buddies enlisted in the Naval Reserve and the following year, Tom and Craig Bratton were assigned to the USS Currituck. This was a seaplane tender and served as a flagship in the Taiwan Patrol Force. The ship was based in Okinawa and made its way to Cam Ranh Bay. From 1968-69, Tom and Craig were assigned to the aircraft carrier, the Bon Homme Richard which also spent time in the Tonkin Gulf. Tom was immensely proud to serve his country and was a lifetime member of Vietnam Veterans of America. After being discharged from the Navy, Tom returned to Pacific Beach and began working for PPG Industries. In 1969 he met his loving wife of over 50 years, Maryterese. They married on September 5, 1970 and began their family in 1975, settling in San Diego county where they lived for over 15 years. Tom traveled from San Diego to Mexico to Arizona as part of his territory with PPG. In 1988 Tom’s job moved us all to Sacramento, California where his territory grew to include Fresno up the west coast to Washington. After over 40 years Tom retired as an area sales manager in industrial paints and coatings. Tom was a people person and treasured the many friendships he made along the way from co -workers to customers. He loved telling stories and his jokes were always part of him as well as his dry sense of humor. In his retirement years Tom became passionate about family, his friends, his investments, his military history, politics, cars, rock and roll and of course cooking and his art of the BBQ! He is proceeded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Paul, and his infant brother, David. His spirit lives on with his wife, Maryterese, their daughters Amanda, Stacy (Jason), and Lauren (Eli). Their beautiful granddaughters Kayley, Jayden, Aubrey and Natalie. Also survived by his brothers Robert, Dale and Dana and nieces and nephews. Tom will be missed by many, especially Craig, and loved forever by his family. His ashes will be laid to rest at the U.S. National Military Cemetery in Dixon, California.