A Life Remembered ~ Thomas Allan "Tom" Nurmi
Thomas Allan "Tom" Nurmi died unexpectedly the afternoon of Thursday, 12 January 2023, at his home, in Umatilla, Florida at the age of 74.
Tom was born on October 16, 1948 in Hackensack, New Jersey to parents John Albert Nurmi and Elizabeth Barrow Haring. He lived in Saddle River, New Jersey where his father was a residential builder. His father was a well-known high school athlete who had placed first in shot put and discus for the State of New Jersey. He attended Upper Saddle River Elementary School in Bergen County, New Jersey before leaving the area.
He moved to Palm Beach County, Florida in 1956. His father built a home in Lake Worth and the family moved into it in 1957. He had a happy life growing up in Florida. He delivered newspapers for years with his brother and father in the mornings. Every Saturday after finishing the newspaper delivery, his Dad would stop by a Finnish bakery and they would buy crumb buns and pulla [a Finnish cardamom sweet bread. He played baseball in Little League and his father was the team's coach. After graduating from Lake Worth High School, he attended Palm Beach Jr. College while working at IBM's Boca Plant. He finished his degree in accounting at Florida State University in June 1976. He majored in accounting and was an active member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He enjoyed sharing memories of good times he had while at FSU. Nicknamed "Chief" at Sigma Nu, Tom always enjoyed making jokes and laughing with the people he was around. Following graduation, he worked for IBM in the general accounting and expense division until he took an early retirement in 1993 when IBM offered him a "golden parachute" buyout. He continued working for IBM as a contractor until 1999. When his brother, Larry, died in 1999, he took over his brother's business, Atlantic Electronic Supply and ran that until he retired.
On 20 August 1977, he married Marjorie "Marge" Esco, daughter of Samuel Earl Esco and Marjorie Velma Boswell, at the First United Methodist Church in Boca Raton, Florida. To that union, he had two children, Elizabeth Ann and James Paul Nurmi.
Tom enjoyed coaching baseball and softball while his children were younger and attended every game they played through the years. He also enjoyed collecting and selling sports memorabilia and was one of eBay's first power sellers.
He was predeceased by his father, John Albert "Al" Nurmi [1916-1987]; mother, Elizabeth Haring "Betty" Nurmi [1921-2000]; brother, Lawrence Albert "Larry" Nurmi [1946-1999]; daughter Elizabeth Ann "Beth" Nurmi [1980-2018].
Tom is survived by his wife, Marjorie "Marge" Esco Nurmi; son, James Paul Nurmi; daughter-in-law, Laura Kreutzer Nurmi; grandchildren, Addison Elyse, Christian DeWitt, Dylan Coriale Nurmi; sister and her husband, Carole Elizabeth Nurmi & Martin B. Cummings. He is also survived by his niece, Jacqueline Michelle "Jackie" Cummings Lunt; nephews, Christopher Michael "Chris" and Gregory Scott "Greg" Cummings.
A service was held for Tom Nurmi on February 4th, 2023 at 3 pm at the First Baptist Church of Paisley, 25145 Fisherman's Road, Paisley, Florida 32767.
Written by his sister, Carole Elizabeth Nurmi Cummings with a couple additions from the family.
Timeline of Tom's Life
These were the stories that Tom had told his sister to share
▪ 1948 – Born 16 October 1948 in Hackensack Hospital in Hackensack, Bergen County, New Jersey
▪ 1950 – Residence was Upper Saddle River, Bergen, New Jersey
▪ 1954-1956 – Upper Saddle River Elementary School
▪ 1955 – Larry Nurmi - 9 years old - Tom Nurmi - 7 years old - Carole Nurmi - 2 months old - Dec 1957 - Lester Lane, Saddle River, New Jersey - Now called Timberlane Road
▪ Dec 1956-1957 Moved to Palm Beach County, Florida – Lived on Price Street off of Lake Worth Road near Military Trail - Rental House in Unincorporated Palm Beach County, Florida – Lived here while new home was being built
▪ 1957 – John Albert "Albert" Nurmi, built the family home at 706 South B Street, Lake Worth, Florida.
▪ 1960-1963 – Lake Worth, Florida – Attended Lake Worth Jr. High School – Mr. Anderson was a favorite teacher. He taught Government and Social Studies. His wife was Mrs. Florida and won that beauty competition. He loved this teacher. One day, however Tom was caught chewing gum. Mr. Anderson had Tom take the chewing gum out of his mouth and put it on the side of his nose. Tom said he was quite shy in his growing up years. Having to put that chewing gum on the side of his nose truly embarrassed him. He chuckeled about it when he told me this story.
▪ 1961 – Favorite Math Teacher – Mrs. Lavine was Tom's math teacher. She was a kind and gentle soul She knew Tom was quite shy. She told Tom's mother, Betty, not to worry about Tom. She was sure he would grow out of his shell and shyness when he was in his 30s.
▪ 1966-1969 – Attended Palm Beach Jr. College in Lake Worth, Florida. Obtained a basic Business Degree - During the summer worked with father on construction sites. Worked on Palm Beach Mall in West Palm Beach, Florida.
▪ 31 March 1969 – IBM – Boca Raton, Florida – Assembler - Model 2020 of the System 360 computer. Ultimately was able to build from sub assembly to final assembly and completely build that computer.
▪ 1971-1972 – IBM – Entered Dept for Personnel Records – In Charge of Personnel Appraisal Folders and New Personnel - Ensure Personnel Payroll - Terminal Inquiries - Utilization of Diebold - Analysis of Classification - New Employee Orientation. At this point in working for IBM, he realized that he had to continue his education to get his Bacherlor's degree in order to advance with IBM. IBM granted him a sabbatical.
▪ 1974 – Returned to School – Florida State University – Tallahassee, Florida – Majored in Accounting. Joined Sigma Nu Fraternity.
▪ June 1976 – Graduated from Florida State University – Accounting Major
▪ July 1976-1999 – Accountant at IBM in Boca Raton, Florida – He took a 'buy out' in 1993 and became a contractor. Departments: General Accounting, Expense Planning.
▪ 20 August 1977 – First United Methodist Church, Boca Raton, Florida – Married Marge Esco. Larry, Tom's brother, was the best man. Sister-in-law, Liz Esco, was maid of honor. Sister-in-law Donna, and sister, Carole Elizabeth Nurmi were bridesmaids. Dress was yellow chiffon with died matching shoes and crowns of flowers for bridesmaids. Dave Esco, John Slayton, Jim Hendrick, were groomsmen.
▪ 1978-1997 – Residence was 695 Lindell Blvd., Delray Beach, Florida – This was Tom and Marge's first home. 3600 Corporation out of Fort Lauderdale was the builder. 1700 sq ft, split floor plan 3 bedroom and 2 bath.
▪ 1997-2006 – Residence was 181 Quercus Court, Wellington, West Palm Beach, Florida. 2nd Owner - 4 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage on two acres in Pinewood Subdivision across from brother Larry in a cul-de-sac. Larry, his brother, lived across the street. Larry would roll up in circular drive way and come to kitchen and raid the refrigerator. And then he would come back for dinner.
When I interviewed Tom, I told him that I would like to put his timeline on findagrave so that one day, his grandchildren and great grandchildren might know a bit more about him. He said he would like that.
I have fond memories of Tom, remembering the hours we would talk about family. He could remember details from years ago. He was much like his dad in that regard. It was amazing all of the facts he could recall. My Dad used to say he had a steel trap of a mind when describing himself. He could remember everything. Well, Tom could too.
In his later years, his mannerisms were quite like our father. He even sounded like him on the telephone. My Dad used to say, "I love you Sweetheart." One day after talkingt to Tom, Tom said goodbye to me that way. He sounded so much like Dad, that I shed a tear after hanging up the phone. Though I lost Dad when I was just 31, he had brought back a bit of him to me. I thank Tom for that. When I die and pass through the veil, I look forward to seeing my big brother, Tom waiting on the other side. Rest in peace big brother. Fly forever amongst the angels and be close to our Lord.
Your loving sister, Carole Elizabeth.
Thomas Allan "Tom" Nurmi died unexpectedly the afternoon of Thursday, 12 January 2023, at his home, in Umatilla, Florida at the age of 74.
Tom was born on October 16, 1948 in Hackensack, New Jersey to parents John Albert Nurmi and Elizabeth Barrow Haring. He lived in Saddle River, New Jersey where his father was a residential builder. His father was a well-known high school athlete who had placed first in shot put and discus for the State of New Jersey. He attended Upper Saddle River Elementary School in Bergen County, New Jersey before leaving the area.
He moved to Palm Beach County, Florida in 1956. His father built a home in Lake Worth and the family moved into it in 1957. He had a happy life growing up in Florida. He delivered newspapers for years with his brother and father in the mornings. Every Saturday after finishing the newspaper delivery, his Dad would stop by a Finnish bakery and they would buy crumb buns and pulla [a Finnish cardamom sweet bread. He played baseball in Little League and his father was the team's coach. After graduating from Lake Worth High School, he attended Palm Beach Jr. College while working at IBM's Boca Plant. He finished his degree in accounting at Florida State University in June 1976. He majored in accounting and was an active member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He enjoyed sharing memories of good times he had while at FSU. Nicknamed "Chief" at Sigma Nu, Tom always enjoyed making jokes and laughing with the people he was around. Following graduation, he worked for IBM in the general accounting and expense division until he took an early retirement in 1993 when IBM offered him a "golden parachute" buyout. He continued working for IBM as a contractor until 1999. When his brother, Larry, died in 1999, he took over his brother's business, Atlantic Electronic Supply and ran that until he retired.
On 20 August 1977, he married Marjorie "Marge" Esco, daughter of Samuel Earl Esco and Marjorie Velma Boswell, at the First United Methodist Church in Boca Raton, Florida. To that union, he had two children, Elizabeth Ann and James Paul Nurmi.
Tom enjoyed coaching baseball and softball while his children were younger and attended every game they played through the years. He also enjoyed collecting and selling sports memorabilia and was one of eBay's first power sellers.
He was predeceased by his father, John Albert "Al" Nurmi [1916-1987]; mother, Elizabeth Haring "Betty" Nurmi [1921-2000]; brother, Lawrence Albert "Larry" Nurmi [1946-1999]; daughter Elizabeth Ann "Beth" Nurmi [1980-2018].
Tom is survived by his wife, Marjorie "Marge" Esco Nurmi; son, James Paul Nurmi; daughter-in-law, Laura Kreutzer Nurmi; grandchildren, Addison Elyse, Christian DeWitt, Dylan Coriale Nurmi; sister and her husband, Carole Elizabeth Nurmi & Martin B. Cummings. He is also survived by his niece, Jacqueline Michelle "Jackie" Cummings Lunt; nephews, Christopher Michael "Chris" and Gregory Scott "Greg" Cummings.
A service was held for Tom Nurmi on February 4th, 2023 at 3 pm at the First Baptist Church of Paisley, 25145 Fisherman's Road, Paisley, Florida 32767.
Written by his sister, Carole Elizabeth Nurmi Cummings with a couple additions from the family.
Timeline of Tom's Life
These were the stories that Tom had told his sister to share
▪ 1948 – Born 16 October 1948 in Hackensack Hospital in Hackensack, Bergen County, New Jersey
▪ 1950 – Residence was Upper Saddle River, Bergen, New Jersey
▪ 1954-1956 – Upper Saddle River Elementary School
▪ 1955 – Larry Nurmi - 9 years old - Tom Nurmi - 7 years old - Carole Nurmi - 2 months old - Dec 1957 - Lester Lane, Saddle River, New Jersey - Now called Timberlane Road
▪ Dec 1956-1957 Moved to Palm Beach County, Florida – Lived on Price Street off of Lake Worth Road near Military Trail - Rental House in Unincorporated Palm Beach County, Florida – Lived here while new home was being built
▪ 1957 – John Albert "Albert" Nurmi, built the family home at 706 South B Street, Lake Worth, Florida.
▪ 1960-1963 – Lake Worth, Florida – Attended Lake Worth Jr. High School – Mr. Anderson was a favorite teacher. He taught Government and Social Studies. His wife was Mrs. Florida and won that beauty competition. He loved this teacher. One day, however Tom was caught chewing gum. Mr. Anderson had Tom take the chewing gum out of his mouth and put it on the side of his nose. Tom said he was quite shy in his growing up years. Having to put that chewing gum on the side of his nose truly embarrassed him. He chuckeled about it when he told me this story.
▪ 1961 – Favorite Math Teacher – Mrs. Lavine was Tom's math teacher. She was a kind and gentle soul She knew Tom was quite shy. She told Tom's mother, Betty, not to worry about Tom. She was sure he would grow out of his shell and shyness when he was in his 30s.
▪ 1966-1969 – Attended Palm Beach Jr. College in Lake Worth, Florida. Obtained a basic Business Degree - During the summer worked with father on construction sites. Worked on Palm Beach Mall in West Palm Beach, Florida.
▪ 31 March 1969 – IBM – Boca Raton, Florida – Assembler - Model 2020 of the System 360 computer. Ultimately was able to build from sub assembly to final assembly and completely build that computer.
▪ 1971-1972 – IBM – Entered Dept for Personnel Records – In Charge of Personnel Appraisal Folders and New Personnel - Ensure Personnel Payroll - Terminal Inquiries - Utilization of Diebold - Analysis of Classification - New Employee Orientation. At this point in working for IBM, he realized that he had to continue his education to get his Bacherlor's degree in order to advance with IBM. IBM granted him a sabbatical.
▪ 1974 – Returned to School – Florida State University – Tallahassee, Florida – Majored in Accounting. Joined Sigma Nu Fraternity.
▪ June 1976 – Graduated from Florida State University – Accounting Major
▪ July 1976-1999 – Accountant at IBM in Boca Raton, Florida – He took a 'buy out' in 1993 and became a contractor. Departments: General Accounting, Expense Planning.
▪ 20 August 1977 – First United Methodist Church, Boca Raton, Florida – Married Marge Esco. Larry, Tom's brother, was the best man. Sister-in-law, Liz Esco, was maid of honor. Sister-in-law Donna, and sister, Carole Elizabeth Nurmi were bridesmaids. Dress was yellow chiffon with died matching shoes and crowns of flowers for bridesmaids. Dave Esco, John Slayton, Jim Hendrick, were groomsmen.
▪ 1978-1997 – Residence was 695 Lindell Blvd., Delray Beach, Florida – This was Tom and Marge's first home. 3600 Corporation out of Fort Lauderdale was the builder. 1700 sq ft, split floor plan 3 bedroom and 2 bath.
▪ 1997-2006 – Residence was 181 Quercus Court, Wellington, West Palm Beach, Florida. 2nd Owner - 4 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage on two acres in Pinewood Subdivision across from brother Larry in a cul-de-sac. Larry, his brother, lived across the street. Larry would roll up in circular drive way and come to kitchen and raid the refrigerator. And then he would come back for dinner.
When I interviewed Tom, I told him that I would like to put his timeline on findagrave so that one day, his grandchildren and great grandchildren might know a bit more about him. He said he would like that.
I have fond memories of Tom, remembering the hours we would talk about family. He could remember details from years ago. He was much like his dad in that regard. It was amazing all of the facts he could recall. My Dad used to say he had a steel trap of a mind when describing himself. He could remember everything. Well, Tom could too.
In his later years, his mannerisms were quite like our father. He even sounded like him on the telephone. My Dad used to say, "I love you Sweetheart." One day after talkingt to Tom, Tom said goodbye to me that way. He sounded so much like Dad, that I shed a tear after hanging up the phone. Though I lost Dad when I was just 31, he had brought back a bit of him to me. I thank Tom for that. When I die and pass through the veil, I look forward to seeing my big brother, Tom waiting on the other side. Rest in peace big brother. Fly forever amongst the angels and be close to our Lord.
Your loving sister, Carole Elizabeth.
A Life Remembered ~ Thomas Allan "Tom" Nurmi
Thomas Allan "Tom" Nurmi died unexpectedly the afternoon of Thursday, 12 January 2023, at his home, in Umatilla, Florida at the age of 74.
Tom was born on October 16, 1948 in Hackensack, New Jersey to parents John Albert Nurmi and Elizabeth Barrow Haring. He lived in Saddle River, New Jersey where his father was a residential builder. His father was a well-known high school athlete who had placed first in shot put and discus for the State of New Jersey. He attended Upper Saddle River Elementary School in Bergen County, New Jersey before leaving the area.
He moved to Palm Beach County, Florida in 1956. His father built a home in Lake Worth and the family moved into it in 1957. He had a happy life growing up in Florida. He delivered newspapers for years with his brother and father in the mornings. Every Saturday after finishing the newspaper delivery, his Dad would stop by a Finnish bakery and they would buy crumb buns and pulla [a Finnish cardamom sweet bread. He played baseball in Little League and his father was the team's coach. After graduating from Lake Worth High School, he attended Palm Beach Jr. College while working at IBM's Boca Plant. He finished his degree in accounting at Florida State University in June 1976. He majored in accounting and was an active member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He enjoyed sharing memories of good times he had while at FSU. Nicknamed "Chief" at Sigma Nu, Tom always enjoyed making jokes and laughing with the people he was around. Following graduation, he worked for IBM in the general accounting and expense division until he took an early retirement in 1993 when IBM offered him a "golden parachute" buyout. He continued working for IBM as a contractor until 1999. When his brother, Larry, died in 1999, he took over his brother's business, Atlantic Electronic Supply and ran that until he retired.
On 20 August 1977, he married Marjorie "Marge" Esco, daughter of Samuel Earl Esco and Marjorie Velma Boswell, at the First United Methodist Church in Boca Raton, Florida. To that union, he had two children, Elizabeth Ann and James Paul Nurmi.
Tom enjoyed coaching baseball and softball while his children were younger and attended every game they played through the years. He also enjoyed collecting and selling sports memorabilia and was one of eBay's first power sellers.
He was predeceased by his father, John Albert "Al" Nurmi [1916-1987]; mother, Elizabeth Haring "Betty" Nurmi [1921-2000]; brother, Lawrence Albert "Larry" Nurmi [1946-1999]; daughter Elizabeth Ann "Beth" Nurmi [1980-2018].
Tom is survived by his wife, Marjorie "Marge" Esco Nurmi; son, James Paul Nurmi; daughter-in-law, Laura Kreutzer Nurmi; grandchildren, Addison Elyse, Christian DeWitt, Dylan Coriale Nurmi; sister and her husband, Carole Elizabeth Nurmi & Martin B. Cummings. He is also survived by his niece, Jacqueline Michelle "Jackie" Cummings Lunt; nephews, Christopher Michael "Chris" and Gregory Scott "Greg" Cummings.
A service was held for Tom Nurmi on February 4th, 2023 at 3 pm at the First Baptist Church of Paisley, 25145 Fisherman's Road, Paisley, Florida 32767.
Written by his sister, Carole Elizabeth Nurmi Cummings with a couple additions from the family.
Timeline of Tom's Life
These were the stories that Tom had told his sister to share
▪ 1948 – Born 16 October 1948 in Hackensack Hospital in Hackensack, Bergen County, New Jersey
▪ 1950 – Residence was Upper Saddle River, Bergen, New Jersey
▪ 1954-1956 – Upper Saddle River Elementary School
▪ 1955 – Larry Nurmi - 9 years old - Tom Nurmi - 7 years old - Carole Nurmi - 2 months old - Dec 1957 - Lester Lane, Saddle River, New Jersey - Now called Timberlane Road
▪ Dec 1956-1957 Moved to Palm Beach County, Florida – Lived on Price Street off of Lake Worth Road near Military Trail - Rental House in Unincorporated Palm Beach County, Florida – Lived here while new home was being built
▪ 1957 – John Albert "Albert" Nurmi, built the family home at 706 South B Street, Lake Worth, Florida.
▪ 1960-1963 – Lake Worth, Florida – Attended Lake Worth Jr. High School – Mr. Anderson was a favorite teacher. He taught Government and Social Studies. His wife was Mrs. Florida and won that beauty competition. He loved this teacher. One day, however Tom was caught chewing gum. Mr. Anderson had Tom take the chewing gum out of his mouth and put it on the side of his nose. Tom said he was quite shy in his growing up years. Having to put that chewing gum on the side of his nose truly embarrassed him. He chuckeled about it when he told me this story.
▪ 1961 – Favorite Math Teacher – Mrs. Lavine was Tom's math teacher. She was a kind and gentle soul She knew Tom was quite shy. She told Tom's mother, Betty, not to worry about Tom. She was sure he would grow out of his shell and shyness when he was in his 30s.
▪ 1966-1969 – Attended Palm Beach Jr. College in Lake Worth, Florida. Obtained a basic Business Degree - During the summer worked with father on construction sites. Worked on Palm Beach Mall in West Palm Beach, Florida.
▪ 31 March 1969 – IBM – Boca Raton, Florida – Assembler - Model 2020 of the System 360 computer. Ultimately was able to build from sub assembly to final assembly and completely build that computer.
▪ 1971-1972 – IBM – Entered Dept for Personnel Records – In Charge of Personnel Appraisal Folders and New Personnel - Ensure Personnel Payroll - Terminal Inquiries - Utilization of Diebold - Analysis of Classification - New Employee Orientation. At this point in working for IBM, he realized that he had to continue his education to get his Bacherlor's degree in order to advance with IBM. IBM granted him a sabbatical.
▪ 1974 – Returned to School – Florida State University – Tallahassee, Florida – Majored in Accounting. Joined Sigma Nu Fraternity.
▪ June 1976 – Graduated from Florida State University – Accounting Major
▪ July 1976-1999 – Accountant at IBM in Boca Raton, Florida – He took a 'buy out' in 1993 and became a contractor. Departments: General Accounting, Expense Planning.
▪ 20 August 1977 – First United Methodist Church, Boca Raton, Florida – Married Marge Esco. Larry, Tom's brother, was the best man. Sister-in-law, Liz Esco, was maid of honor. Sister-in-law Donna, and sister, Carole Elizabeth Nurmi were bridesmaids. Dress was yellow chiffon with died matching shoes and crowns of flowers for bridesmaids. Dave Esco, John Slayton, Jim Hendrick, were groomsmen.
▪ 1978-1997 – Residence was 695 Lindell Blvd., Delray Beach, Florida – This was Tom and Marge's first home. 3600 Corporation out of Fort Lauderdale was the builder. 1700 sq ft, split floor plan 3 bedroom and 2 bath.
▪ 1997-2006 – Residence was 181 Quercus Court, Wellington, West Palm Beach, Florida. 2nd Owner - 4 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage on two acres in Pinewood Subdivision across from brother Larry in a cul-de-sac. Larry, his brother, lived across the street. Larry would roll up in circular drive way and come to kitchen and raid the refrigerator. And then he would come back for dinner.
When I interviewed Tom, I told him that I would like to put his timeline on findagrave so that one day, his grandchildren and great grandchildren might know a bit more about him. He said he would like that.
I have fond memories of Tom, remembering the hours we would talk about family. He could remember details from years ago. He was much like his dad in that regard. It was amazing all of the facts he could recall. My Dad used to say he had a steel trap of a mind when describing himself. He could remember everything. Well, Tom could too.
In his later years, his mannerisms were quite like our father. He even sounded like him on the telephone. My Dad used to say, "I love you Sweetheart." One day after talkingt to Tom, Tom said goodbye to me that way. He sounded so much like Dad, that I shed a tear after hanging up the phone. Though I lost Dad when I was just 31, he had brought back a bit of him to me. I thank Tom for that. When I die and pass through the veil, I look forward to seeing my big brother, Tom waiting on the other side. Rest in peace big brother. Fly forever amongst the angels and be close to our Lord.
Your loving sister, Carole Elizabeth.
Thomas Allan "Tom" Nurmi died unexpectedly the afternoon of Thursday, 12 January 2023, at his home, in Umatilla, Florida at the age of 74.
Tom was born on October 16, 1948 in Hackensack, New Jersey to parents John Albert Nurmi and Elizabeth Barrow Haring. He lived in Saddle River, New Jersey where his father was a residential builder. His father was a well-known high school athlete who had placed first in shot put and discus for the State of New Jersey. He attended Upper Saddle River Elementary School in Bergen County, New Jersey before leaving the area.
He moved to Palm Beach County, Florida in 1956. His father built a home in Lake Worth and the family moved into it in 1957. He had a happy life growing up in Florida. He delivered newspapers for years with his brother and father in the mornings. Every Saturday after finishing the newspaper delivery, his Dad would stop by a Finnish bakery and they would buy crumb buns and pulla [a Finnish cardamom sweet bread. He played baseball in Little League and his father was the team's coach. After graduating from Lake Worth High School, he attended Palm Beach Jr. College while working at IBM's Boca Plant. He finished his degree in accounting at Florida State University in June 1976. He majored in accounting and was an active member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He enjoyed sharing memories of good times he had while at FSU. Nicknamed "Chief" at Sigma Nu, Tom always enjoyed making jokes and laughing with the people he was around. Following graduation, he worked for IBM in the general accounting and expense division until he took an early retirement in 1993 when IBM offered him a "golden parachute" buyout. He continued working for IBM as a contractor until 1999. When his brother, Larry, died in 1999, he took over his brother's business, Atlantic Electronic Supply and ran that until he retired.
On 20 August 1977, he married Marjorie "Marge" Esco, daughter of Samuel Earl Esco and Marjorie Velma Boswell, at the First United Methodist Church in Boca Raton, Florida. To that union, he had two children, Elizabeth Ann and James Paul Nurmi.
Tom enjoyed coaching baseball and softball while his children were younger and attended every game they played through the years. He also enjoyed collecting and selling sports memorabilia and was one of eBay's first power sellers.
He was predeceased by his father, John Albert "Al" Nurmi [1916-1987]; mother, Elizabeth Haring "Betty" Nurmi [1921-2000]; brother, Lawrence Albert "Larry" Nurmi [1946-1999]; daughter Elizabeth Ann "Beth" Nurmi [1980-2018].
Tom is survived by his wife, Marjorie "Marge" Esco Nurmi; son, James Paul Nurmi; daughter-in-law, Laura Kreutzer Nurmi; grandchildren, Addison Elyse, Christian DeWitt, Dylan Coriale Nurmi; sister and her husband, Carole Elizabeth Nurmi & Martin B. Cummings. He is also survived by his niece, Jacqueline Michelle "Jackie" Cummings Lunt; nephews, Christopher Michael "Chris" and Gregory Scott "Greg" Cummings.
A service was held for Tom Nurmi on February 4th, 2023 at 3 pm at the First Baptist Church of Paisley, 25145 Fisherman's Road, Paisley, Florida 32767.
Written by his sister, Carole Elizabeth Nurmi Cummings with a couple additions from the family.
Timeline of Tom's Life
These were the stories that Tom had told his sister to share
▪ 1948 – Born 16 October 1948 in Hackensack Hospital in Hackensack, Bergen County, New Jersey
▪ 1950 – Residence was Upper Saddle River, Bergen, New Jersey
▪ 1954-1956 – Upper Saddle River Elementary School
▪ 1955 – Larry Nurmi - 9 years old - Tom Nurmi - 7 years old - Carole Nurmi - 2 months old - Dec 1957 - Lester Lane, Saddle River, New Jersey - Now called Timberlane Road
▪ Dec 1956-1957 Moved to Palm Beach County, Florida – Lived on Price Street off of Lake Worth Road near Military Trail - Rental House in Unincorporated Palm Beach County, Florida – Lived here while new home was being built
▪ 1957 – John Albert "Albert" Nurmi, built the family home at 706 South B Street, Lake Worth, Florida.
▪ 1960-1963 – Lake Worth, Florida – Attended Lake Worth Jr. High School – Mr. Anderson was a favorite teacher. He taught Government and Social Studies. His wife was Mrs. Florida and won that beauty competition. He loved this teacher. One day, however Tom was caught chewing gum. Mr. Anderson had Tom take the chewing gum out of his mouth and put it on the side of his nose. Tom said he was quite shy in his growing up years. Having to put that chewing gum on the side of his nose truly embarrassed him. He chuckeled about it when he told me this story.
▪ 1961 – Favorite Math Teacher – Mrs. Lavine was Tom's math teacher. She was a kind and gentle soul She knew Tom was quite shy. She told Tom's mother, Betty, not to worry about Tom. She was sure he would grow out of his shell and shyness when he was in his 30s.
▪ 1966-1969 – Attended Palm Beach Jr. College in Lake Worth, Florida. Obtained a basic Business Degree - During the summer worked with father on construction sites. Worked on Palm Beach Mall in West Palm Beach, Florida.
▪ 31 March 1969 – IBM – Boca Raton, Florida – Assembler - Model 2020 of the System 360 computer. Ultimately was able to build from sub assembly to final assembly and completely build that computer.
▪ 1971-1972 – IBM – Entered Dept for Personnel Records – In Charge of Personnel Appraisal Folders and New Personnel - Ensure Personnel Payroll - Terminal Inquiries - Utilization of Diebold - Analysis of Classification - New Employee Orientation. At this point in working for IBM, he realized that he had to continue his education to get his Bacherlor's degree in order to advance with IBM. IBM granted him a sabbatical.
▪ 1974 – Returned to School – Florida State University – Tallahassee, Florida – Majored in Accounting. Joined Sigma Nu Fraternity.
▪ June 1976 – Graduated from Florida State University – Accounting Major
▪ July 1976-1999 – Accountant at IBM in Boca Raton, Florida – He took a 'buy out' in 1993 and became a contractor. Departments: General Accounting, Expense Planning.
▪ 20 August 1977 – First United Methodist Church, Boca Raton, Florida – Married Marge Esco. Larry, Tom's brother, was the best man. Sister-in-law, Liz Esco, was maid of honor. Sister-in-law Donna, and sister, Carole Elizabeth Nurmi were bridesmaids. Dress was yellow chiffon with died matching shoes and crowns of flowers for bridesmaids. Dave Esco, John Slayton, Jim Hendrick, were groomsmen.
▪ 1978-1997 – Residence was 695 Lindell Blvd., Delray Beach, Florida – This was Tom and Marge's first home. 3600 Corporation out of Fort Lauderdale was the builder. 1700 sq ft, split floor plan 3 bedroom and 2 bath.
▪ 1997-2006 – Residence was 181 Quercus Court, Wellington, West Palm Beach, Florida. 2nd Owner - 4 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage on two acres in Pinewood Subdivision across from brother Larry in a cul-de-sac. Larry, his brother, lived across the street. Larry would roll up in circular drive way and come to kitchen and raid the refrigerator. And then he would come back for dinner.
When I interviewed Tom, I told him that I would like to put his timeline on findagrave so that one day, his grandchildren and great grandchildren might know a bit more about him. He said he would like that.
I have fond memories of Tom, remembering the hours we would talk about family. He could remember details from years ago. He was much like his dad in that regard. It was amazing all of the facts he could recall. My Dad used to say he had a steel trap of a mind when describing himself. He could remember everything. Well, Tom could too.
In his later years, his mannerisms were quite like our father. He even sounded like him on the telephone. My Dad used to say, "I love you Sweetheart." One day after talkingt to Tom, Tom said goodbye to me that way. He sounded so much like Dad, that I shed a tear after hanging up the phone. Though I lost Dad when I was just 31, he had brought back a bit of him to me. I thank Tom for that. When I die and pass through the veil, I look forward to seeing my big brother, Tom waiting on the other side. Rest in peace big brother. Fly forever amongst the angels and be close to our Lord.
Your loving sister, Carole Elizabeth.
