Thomas White Hoot Jr

February 15, 1933 - March 14, 2022

Thomas “Tommy” White Hoot, 89, of Port St. Lucie, Florida passed away on March 1, 2022. Although his passing leaves a large hole in the hearts of his family and friends who will miss his tales of childhood adventures and powerhouse shenanigans, his LEGACY of LOVE for his family will endure. Tommy was born in 1933, to Marguerite and Thomas Hoot in Wilmington, DE. Photography, growing orchids, shooting archery, fishing (and telling fish stories), boating, and creating keepsakes in his woodshop were his passions, but he was happiest enjoying family laughter and stories under the tiki with his beautiful bride and family. He spent his high school years at Wilmington High School, where he met the light of his life, a cute Polish girl that stole his heart. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and headed to a paradise called Jacksonville. A trip down the aisle was next on his journey with a honeymoon that lasted 66 years. Literally… they honeymooned in Miami Beach and never looked back, planting roots and starting a family in Florida. Tommy and Florence’s family tree grew to become a strong oak with branches for 6 children, 16 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. His accomplishments include becoming a champion diver in the state of Delaware, service to his country during the Korean War, and Recording Secretary in the International Union of Operating Engineers. He was a highly respected operating engineer for 25 years, providing his crane operating prowess to create the Miami skyline and the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant. Piano lessons as a child lead to a penchant for playing the harmonica, dulcimer and guitar. This love of music also turned him into a lifelong fan of Johnny Cash, Tex Ritter, Roy Clark, Buck Owens, and Paul Richardson, a beloved cousin, who played the organ for the Philadelphia Phillies. His humor and perfectly timed quick wit never failed to create big belly laughs. All the grandkids and great-grandkids loved their Pop-pop with all their hearts, but collectively couldn’t match the love he had for them. Tommy is survived by his wife Florence, daughters Paula Hardison, Patti Hoot, Eileen (Mark) Storck, Brenda (James) Hoot Meredith, and Bonnie (Lawson) Dutton; son T.C. (Laura) Hoot; grandchildren: Robbie, Tommy, CJ, Christina, Tara, Jessica, Vicki, Amy, Joey, Jonathan, LJ, Amanda, Jessica, Jeff, Tori, and sister Katherine (Robert) Monaghan. He is now resting with his parents and granddaughter, Jennifer. A homemade sign hangs in the living room that simply states “TOGETHER”. Tommy believed this to be the cornerstone of how to successfully get through life. Respect each other, love, laugh, cry, and celebrate, and always do it together. Mass will be held Saturday, March 26th at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Lucie Catholic Church followed by a Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Diabetes Association at https://diabetes.org/