Thomas Sam Tedesco

Thomas Sam Tedesco, 98, died September 22, 2024, at his home in Indian Wells, California, with his loving wife of 18 years, Gloria, by his side. 

Tom was born in Cleveland Ohio and his family moved to Los Angeles when Tom was six years old, along with his father Santo, mother Kate, brother Frank and sister Lucille. Tom enjoyed growing up in California, the climate, the ocean and he made lifelong friends. Once in California, Tom’s family welcomed brother Joseph to the Tedesco family. 

Tom graduated from Huntington Park High School on a Friday, and on the following Wednesday, he was in boot camp in San Diego.  During World War II, Tom served in the Navy as a gunner’s mate, and was based in the Pacific on a ship called the Altamaha.  Being a Navy man, the open waters held a special place throughout his life as he loved to navigate the high seas. 

After the war, Tom founded, with his father and brother United Ready Mix Concrete Company.  Although Tom desired to become a building contractor, his dad said they were going into the concrete business. Tom credits his dad for teaching him how to work and over the next 50 years, Tom worked long hours and became a successful businessman and real estate developer. He loved the company he helped his family build and always had a positive, can-do attitude.

Tom loved to work, laugh, travel and explore; he was a wonderful, kind and generous man. Throughout their 20 years together, Tom and Gloria spent many wonderful days abroad, navigating the world on many cruises with good friends.  Tom and Gloria loved each other and had a wonderful life together. Tom lived life to the fullest and will be missed dearly, but his spirit lives on in those who cared for him and loved him.

Tom is survived by his wife Gloria, her daughter Debra Wear and grandson Matthew Wear, daughter Wendy Basara and son-in-law Jairo McCoy. Tom is also survived by his three biological daughters, including Laura (Tom) White, Sandra (Howard) Kay and Julie (Michael) Bas, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Services will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 43775 Deep Canyon Road, Palm Desert on October 11, 2024—Visitation is 10:00-10:45 a.m. followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m.  A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow the Mass at il Forno, Toscana Country Club.

Interment will be on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Pacific View Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Dr., Corona Del Mar. 

Donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital if desired, in Tom’s memory.