Thomas M. Roland
Service
Visitation
Cunningham Turch Funeral Home
811 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA
7/18/2015
2:30pm -
Funeral Home
Cunningham Turch Funeral Home
811 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA
-
Cunningham Turch Funeral Home
811 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA
7/18/2015
2:30pm -
Cunningham Turch Funeral Home
811 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA
-
I was so very sad to hear about Tommy’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this most difficult time. I knew Tommy since he transferred to Miami. He took me under his wing in a Pre-clearance seizure we made together. We had to travel to the Bahamas to testify in the case. After we testified, Tommy wanted to go to a restaurant I think he wanted some kind of seafood chowder. I just wanted to get back to Miami. He never left my side and settled on a Snickers Bar instead. Tommy always treated me well and with respect. I am thankful to have known him. I know he will be an angel watching over the family he loved so much. God bless you Tommy. Rest in Peace my friend.
I am in total shock in the passing of Tommy Roland Jr. I did not know that he was sick. Tommy always attended our Annual USCS Retirees Luncheon held at Tropical Acres Steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale with his dad every March. Mary, Tom, Eleanor and his entire family, I am, as well as many others, mourning Tommy\’s passing. I remember all the fun times we had at JFK Airport while Tommy was dating his bride-to-be Mary Patrone. Mary, if there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact me. We go back about 40 years of knowing one another. My heart is broken..you do not know how much I am hurting also. I will keep you & your family in prayer for inner strength, peace, love and guidance during this very difficult time. I will always treasure Tommy\’s smile, hard work ethics, laughter and just being Tommy. Love you all, Linda Vercillo-Woronecki, Coral Springs, Florida
954-857-8880
My husband and I both worked with Tommy at Miami International Airport. He was a lot of fun and a unique individual. Our prayers are with his family.
Grateful for the opportunity to have shared many of our
earlier career years together with Tommy.
As has been mentioned, he was a unique individual; since then;
intermittently and more recently, we shared laughs and always made time to
reminisce about the ‘good ole days’. His
will and determination never wavered while there was hope and optimism to
overcome. He fought a gallant fight; I wished
that he would have been granted longevity.
He was a good friend and will be missed; to his lovely wife Mary and family, I will honor him
in my prayers and keep him in my memories.
May perpetual light forever shine upon his soul.
Sorry for your loss.
My Wife Sue and I both had the honor of working with Tommy. I met Tommy when he transferred from NY to Miami CET. Sue worked with him at the old District office, CMC and the Airport. He not only was a great co-worker but became a very good friend. He was always there to help, assist and keep you entertained at the same time. We will all miss you Brother, God watch over you in his kingdom and may you RIP. Our prayers and thoughts go out to Mary and his entire Family. God Bless them all………
Tommy and I crossed paths over the years. First when I was Regional
Commissioner, and later during his frequent visits to DC headquarters. He was the consumate Customs Officer, a true leader and mentor to the younger Inspectors and one who always gave you the unvarnished truth, when asked. Tommy was that rare personality that provided the backbone in leadership in USCS.
May you Rest in Peace.
George Heavey
My deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I first met Tommy in 2005 at Port Everglades. I was an Agriculture Specialist and he was my Assistant Port Director. Tommy was one of the best mentors that I have had. He pushed me and encouraged me to go the extra mile and always challenged me. We last spoke in late November 2014. He reminded me how proud he was of me. I am deeply saddened by his passing. He was smart and always so innovative. Rest in peace Tommy. I promise to do for someone what you did for me. I will miss you dearly.
I am in shock of the sad news. My deepest condolences to his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest in Peace Tommy.
My deepest condolences!
Our paths crossed many times during our respective careers, first at JFK and then headquarters. I enjoyed the camaraderie that comes from knowing another for so long and benefited from the relationship. Thanks for all quarters including the roll you gave to ma at my retirement party.
I worked with Tommy for many years in Miami. He was always a kind and considerate person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace Tommy.
Rudy and Isabel Gomez
God Bless you Tommy and your Family. You will be missed and remembered. Our deepest condolences to Mary. We met and worked at CET Team Miami and you were always ready to discuss all topics under the sun! May you Rest in Peace.
The Honorable Thomas M. “Tommy” Roland, was a perfect human being—to the extent any human being can be perfect. And to refer to him as “honorable” is apropos because the word itself is the construct of two words: “Honor” and “Able.” The strength of his character was informed by and developed into a reliable habit of being true to his word. This honorable trait of his, albeit not unexampled, but uncommon nonetheless. Then, he possessed an insightful intellect. He was gifted, talented, and a veritable technological genius. Over the years, Tommy, acting with the intellectual curiosity of a sage, had the ability and did develop, and left behind as his legacy, programs, systems, and processes that have advanced the delivery of services by U.S. Customs, now U.S. Customs & Border Protection. Tommy had a commitment to excellence and he was unselfish in his willingness to teach and to mentor others. This agency and, by extension, the country, are in his debt. We can put a meager down payment on this enormous debt by giving him the going-home he so rightfully deserves. So long, Tommy; so long my friend! You are gone—but you will never be forgotten!
I like so many others worked with Tommy on the Miami CET. Tommy called several of us including himself “YAMBOS”. He always had a way of making you laugh. May you Rest in Peace Yambo, you are missed by so many.
I first met Tommy at MIA in 1999 when he was in the office next to Mr. Lewis. Always willing to talk, even to a newbie, to help out. Then we both ended up at PEV, still working together then it was ATCET, still friends.
My condolences to the family.
Tommy, it’s Yo Yo, rest in peace, buddy.
So many heartfelt and sincere tributes to Tommy. I would like to steal thoughts from each. Just shows what a great human being Tommy was, and how lucky we were to have known him, shared some part of our lives with him. Yes, a mentor, a competent leader, a seeker, a contributor, a decent human being, a fine Customs Inspector/Officer/Manager. I was delighted when I bumped into him at the Pembroke Pines dog park, a bit of a chance to see him away from work. i knew Tommy for almost 25 years. I lost contact with him when he went to HQ, and then I found out he had passed away. I was shocked and very saddened. I know Tommy had a wonderful journey with a great family and friends. Thank you for being who you were, thoughts of you and the way you touched us, will always be a tribute to you. Rest in peace. Sorry I will miss the celebration of your life. Big hugs to your family.
My heart has been breaking while being weighed down with heavy sadness. A good person, a mentor, a father figured of mine recently passed away. He spoke to others as if he wasn’t in the higher position he held. He opened his home for those of us that were far away from our homes during the holidays. He invited others into his family as if you belonged. Even when I moved back home to Michigan, he still kept in contact with me. When he was working training in Detroit, he reached out to me and we hung out together and would catch up. He believed in me and my work ethic, too! He loved his wife and his kids so much! I just can’t believe he is no longer walking on this Earth with us. I wish for and pray for comfort and peace for the lives of those he touched especially for his family during this time. Tom Roland Tommy you are missed so very much ♡
Ethan C.J. Best
My condolences to the Roland family for your loss. I was very saddend to hear of his passing. I knew Tommy from Miami International Airport and it was always a pleasure to be around him and work with him. He had a great wit and sense of humor and he also had a sense of honor about his job. When he left, he was missed, and after a while we lost contact. I know that in heaven he will be equally regarded by those he will meet, will be joking and carrying on as he always did. Rest eternally Tommy.
Tommy, I\’m sad we won\’t get to have another one of our talks about life, CBP, food and music. We had so many of those over the last two decades; we argued some and laughed much and we always made sure to reconnect no matter how much time had passed. You always spoke about Mary and the boys with such love and pride. My prayers are with them right now; may their sorrow soon ease and may the future hold only the fondest memories of you in the hearts.
I knew Tommy and Mary from JFK. When I came to Miami if he saw me in the hallway he would always call me, hey Bonnie Sue! I used to tell him to be quiet because I didn’t want anyone to know my middle name, lol, but that never stopped him.
My deepest sympathies to Mary and family.
Art imitates life in the movies and in the world of make-believe; but
for those of us who had the high honor and privilege of working with and/or
knowing Mr. Roland, know that he was no make believe. He was the consummate Officer and a genuine
Gentleman. Just a few weeks after Mr. Roland retired, he was in the Ronald
Reagan Building, and he made it his business to stop by my desk and left me a
note that states: “Terri, I got the Ensign the other night. Thank you for
working your magic. It means the world to me! Tommy.” Well, there was no magic
involved. The Ensign was in recognition for his many years of dedicated and
exemplary service. And
recently, Mr. Roland was again in the building and stopped by to say
hello. He was looking fit and trim. I asked him what his secret for losing
weight was. He said: “This is one secret you do not want to know anything
about,” and went on to explain what he was having to deal with. He was
nonetheless jovial and optimistic that he was on the road to full recovery.
This is why the news of
his untimely passing is so shocking. RIP Officer Roland and you will be
remembered for always being a gentleman.
Deepest condolences to Mary. Tommy will truly be missed. He was an incredible person and friend.
My deepest sympathies to the Roland family for your loss. Tommy touched many lives during his long tenure with CBP. While I only knew him since 2006 when I arrived at Port Everglades, I was quickly able to tell that he had a finger on the “pulse” of the port. He was always my “go to” person for any CBP or DHS issues, and I knew I would get a straight answer. His legacy will live on through the thousands of CBP officers and industry professionals that he trained and mentored during his distinguished career, and he will missed. Tommy, may you rest in peace.
Glenn Wiltshire, CAPT USCG Retired
Port Everglades Deputy Director
Tommy, you have been a role model and an inspiration to me. Now you are inspiring the angels and the heavens with your presence. I will miss you and see you again some day.
Carlos Maglione.
You were my guiding light and always encouraged me to seek better opportunities. I will pray for you and your family. I will miss your cheerful and knowledgeable personality.
Thanks so much Tommy for being so good to us over the years. When ever a kid would get out of the academy that I thought would be a winner and headed your way I would call and give you a heads up. A few weeks later I would get the results. You were always someone I could depend on when needed. God Bless, see you in a few. Pam and Bob Hammer, Pam’s #1
My sincerest condolences to Tommy’s loved ones. It was a pleasure to know a man that spoke so fondly of his family. I knew him from CBP Port Everglades, where he had his office right in the middle of the Agriculture Specialists area where I suspect he meant to keep an eye on us. He quickly earned my respect and admiration. He worked long hours and was very cleaver, no less than a self- taught computer systems engineer. Long days at the office did not deter him from attending everyone’s retirement or going away parties. He was Customs all the way, but he did appreciate the Aggies jobs. He nominated me for a Blue Eagle award very rare for an Aggie and found a way to be there when it was presented in D.C. I haven’t seen him for three years and am saddened to know that I won’t run into him again. Rest in peace, Tommy, knowing that you made a huge impact on so many of us.
I first met Tommy in 2005 when he went to Port Everglades. I was a NFL 9 for life CET inspector just trying to get by. I was a nervous wreck when he asked to speak to me in his office only to find out he wanted me to be an acting supervisor. I had to break the news that I was 6 weeks pregnant! that’s when I learned what a true kind-hearted family man he was and he told me all about his wife and children. He was such a kind, funny and personable man. Because of that, he quickly became part of our small CET family in PEV. He enjoyed coming by just to say hello and was always interested in what everyone was doing. I have always appreciated that about him. He was so easy to talk to and everyone loved Tommy. When I transferred to Miami in 2006, he told me that he was sad that I was leaving the CET family – he gave me a signed $1 bill and told me that I was a member of “the club”! I still have that dollar!
I was so sad to learn about his death. I wish I would have called to say hello one last time.
On behalf of the Rovirosa family, Port Everglades Terminal LLC, and Florida Stevedoring Inc., we would like to send you our condolences and our appreciation for all the good things and the hearts he touched throughout his life.
Richard G. Rovirosa/Frank V. Rovirosa/Jorge P. Rovirosa
My deepest sympathies to the Roland family for the loss of Tommy. It was a pleasure to have worked and call Tommy a friend since he landed in Miami in 1986. Mary, Mr. and Mrs. Roland Senior, Tommy, Nick and the rest of the family please remember the great memories that he left you. Tommy, I will never forget you, your help, and friendship and the great times we shared throughout the years. Rest in Peace my friend.
To the entire Roland family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Tommy was a family man in every sense of the word. He always bragged about your accomplishments
the many good times, and of course the excellent Italian food. I can’t even count how many times Tommy said that he couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have all of you in his life. I met him in 1995 and I have to say that he was a joy to work for, a loyal friend, a “good fella” and someone who genuinely cared about the mission and people he worked with. He will never be forgotten. “Baby, he was
Born to Run!”
You know you’ve known a great person when everyone has a story to tell. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the entire Roland family. I’m sure you already know that Tommy was the person who took the time to talk with everyone. I can’t think of a time he failed to encourage, make me laugh, or leave me with a smile. I remember once we unexpectedly lost a fellow coworker and Tommy went around asking everyone for a single word to describe that person. Tommy, to me you were inspiring. May you Rest in Peace.
Mary, we were deeply saddened to hear of Tommy’s passing. Please accept our condolences. During my last detail to HQ I was lucky enough to be able to have dinner or lunch with Tommy at least once a month. He always spoke of you and the family and told stories about your vacations. I was in Miami on CET when he arrived and he will always be part of the tall tales we tell of those wonderful days!
Jim E.
Tommy was the consumate gentleman, I met him in April 2003 during a very stressful time with CBP, he always knew how to calm everyone and put a situation in perspective. His “Hi Honey!’ always brought a smile to my face. He oozed love for his wife as we’d talk about her illness and recovery. The last time I saw him he was quiet, which was not Tommy, he always kept everything to himself, but his pride for his family always shone through. May your memories of your time together bring you peace and healing as your grieve and remember Tommy. I have this great photo of Tommy with a huge smile on his face that I’ll always remember him. Prayers for his soul and your healing.
I worked with Tommy during our early years as Inspectors on JFK CET. Tommy showed himself then as a dynamic hard charger with a great sense of humor and was always available to listen and to help
everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I am sorry for your loss .
Jay Todras
Tampa
Dear Mary, Rodger and I were so shocked and saddened to hear of Tom’s untimely death. Please accept our deepest condolences. May our great God of compassion, be especially near to you in the days, weeks, and months ahead. May you be comforted as you grieve this unbearable loss. Tom and yourself played an invaluable role in the lives of our niece and nephew. We will be forever grateful and you will always be in our hearts and prayers.
The Bloch’s
Wheaton, IL
My thoughts are with the Roland family at this time. He will be greatly missed. I met him in November 2001. He gave his all to USCS and CBP, and reading about him now I am not surprised to see that he shared the same passion, wit and generosity outside work. Rest in Peace.
It’s so nice to read these Beautiful words and memories of Tommy. Thank you all for sharing.
I will make sure that Tom & Ellie see these beautiful memories. CFR