LTC. RET Thomas Stanley Brzozowski, 86, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2024. He was born in Grand Rapids Michigan on February 5, 1938. Tom joined the United States Air Force in 1962 where he had a distinguished 25-year career retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. While stationed in Arkansas, Tom met the love of his life Carol. Married in 1962 Tom and Carol enjoyed 62 years of wedded bliss.

After retiring from the USAF Tom, on a whim decided to open Bodine's BBQ located in Newport News, VA. Bodine's quickly became a locals favorite and coined the first BBQ restaurant to serve beef BBQ in Virginia.

After retiring from the restaurant business Tom purchased his prized possession, a 1966 Hatteras Motor Yacht dubbed the name Star-Raker. Star-Raker served as the pinnacle of every family trip and gathering. Tom and Carol took numerous trips aboard Star-Raker including journeys up and down the East Coast and Canada.

Tom is survived by his wife Carol, children Stanley Brzozowski (Kaesi) and Roxanne Christou; as well as 3 grandchildren, Jacob Brzozowski and Michael and Melina Christou; and his brother, Stanley Brzozowski, Jr. (Mary).

Tom was one in a million, he was the epitome of happiness, his infectious laugh could light up any room. His memory will live on through his family forever.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held at a later date at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, Virginia.  All services will be private. Click here to view service