Thomas S. Splett, Sr.

Thomas S. Splett Sr., known to family and friends in Florida as “Captain Tom,” a devout Christian, went home to his Creator and Savior on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

Born May 25, 1933, in Nanticoke, PA, to Celia Hozlock and Bernard Splett, Thomas began his career as a Master Printer working alongside his stepfather—whom he fondly called “My Dad”—Stanley F. Fela. Together, Stanley (as owner) and Thomas (as vice president), along with their crew at Keystone Magazine in Wilkes-Barre, PA, printed the original Marvel comic books.

Thomas later delivered and set up various multi-million-dollar presses for Rumford Press in Concord, NH. Offered a permanent position, he relocated his family to New Hampshire in 1960. He eventually retired from Dartmouth Printing in Dartmouth, NH.

Throughout his career as a pressman, Thomas and his crews were responsible for producing millions of copies of notable publications such as The New England Journal of Medicine, Forbes, The New Yorker, National Geographic, and Farmer’s Almanac, among many others.

Thomas enjoyed boating, fishing, flying kites, and cheering on family members at various sporting events. Always keeping himself busy, he earned the nickname “Tinker Tom.”

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 66 years, Bertha Florence Youells; his son, Thomas Stanley II; his great-granddaughter, McKenzie Rose Divers; and his sisters, Dorothy Marie Robey and Sandra Faye Kliamovich.

Captain Tom leaves behind four generations of loved ones:

Children: Lynda (Roger) Randlett, Florida; Cynthia (James) LaClair; Sharyn (Dennis) LaClair; daughter-in-law Diane Splett, New Hampshire. Grandchildren: Melissa, Michael, Melynda, Paul, Thomas III, Michaelle, Philip, Tyler, Patrick, Tonya. Great-Grandchildren: Caitlyn, Christiana, Christian, Cameron, Anastasiya, Meghan, Wyatt, Sydnie, Travis, Adara, Jaylyn, Myles, Parker, Avery. Great-Great-Grandchildren: Chandler, Cayleigh, Annaleise, Alexander.  Also survived by: many cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved and cherished him.

Whenever Thomas met someone new, he would say: “I have three wishes for you—good health, happiness, and wealth. If you have the first two, you are truly wealthy.”

Thomas will be remembered for helping anyone in need, expecting nothing in return. A generous, gentle, and kind soul, he will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to Treasure Coast Hospice and Senior Helpers of the Treasure Coast for their exceptional care and support.