Thomas C. Uylaki

Thomas (Tom) Charles Uylaki, Sr, age 80, passed away peacefully at home in Aurora, Colorado, surrounded by family, on October 13, 2024.

Tom was born in East Chicago, Indiana on January 22,1944 to the late John F and Betty (Sanders) Uylaki. Tom graduated from Griffith High School in 1962 and spent most of his life in the Midwest before moving to Colorado. Tom is also a graduate of the School of Professional Studies, Purdue University, class of 1986, with an Associate Degree in Applied Science. Tom was a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and sibling. He held all of these titles with great love and pride.

Tom joined the US Army in 1971 where he was stationed at Fort Lewis Washington (now Joint Base Lewis-McChord). He was trained as a Radio Teletype Operator. He was very proud of his service and his country. Following his time with the Army, Tom worked at US Steel for many years as a Millwright and was an excellent welder.

While he grew to appreciate Denver sports through the Rockies, Broncos and Avalanche, Tom’s loyalty remained to his Chicago sports, especially his beloved Cubbies. He loved music, playing pool, card games, league bowling, shooting darts, grilling and family time. He was passionate about his dogs, having a special connection with CodyDog.

Tom met his love of the last 30 years, Jane, in August 1994. They were married in 1997 and remained together until his passing. Together they enjoyed attending concerts, baseball games, football games, NASCAR and NHRA races. Tom was particularly patriotic always cheering, and known to shed a tear, for all flyovers – making his final resting place even more perfect at Pikes Peak National Cemetery.

Tom was incredibly proud of the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He showed up for any events for his grandchildren – musicals, grandparent days, sporting events and talent shows. He loved taking pictures and video of all of all the kids (including nieces and nephews). His family meant the world to him.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Kyle James Uylaki, granddaughter Jacqueline Suzanne Uylaki, and sister Baby Girl Uylaki.

Tom is survived by wife Jane; children Thomas C. (Melinda) Uylaki, Jr. of Gary, Indiana; Bryon (Vicky) Uylaki of Maryville, Tennessee; Danny (Theresa) Uylaki of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania; Tara (David) Rust of Valparaiso, Indiana; Chris (Hannah) Uylaki of Valparaiso, Indiana; grandchildren Trevor, Hannah, Jason, Paula, Becky, Patty, Mandy, Desiree, Dominque, Dalena, Kyrstin, Haley, Shawn, David Jr., Levi, Austen, Destinie, Grace, Domonique, Cheyenne, Amaya; great-grandchildren Christian, Jaxson, Wrenley, Reese, Grasion, Bella, Anna, Bre, Gizelle, William, Daliliah, Danica, Carter, Cambree; Messiah, and Honor; siblings Geraldine (Earl) Carroll, Shirley (Charlie) Keats, John F (Brenda) Uylaki Jr, Betty Orr; Sisters-in-Law Susan (Tim) Lee, Pattie (Jerry) Campbell and many beloved nieces and nephews as well as other extended family members and friends.

Services will be held:

Interment at Pikes Peak National Cemetery will take place on November 7 at 1:00pm for family and close friends.

Funeral services will be held at Hope First United Methodist Church, 5101 South Dayton Street, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 on November 8 at 1:30pm followed by a brief reception at the Church. Members of the family will be wearing red in honor of Tom – his favorite color. If you are so inclined, please feel free to wear red as well.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Tom’s honor to the charity of your choice.