Obituary of Thomas M. Linhart Sr.

Thomas Michael Linhart, Sr, age 72, died suddenly after a short illness at Rochester General Hospital on August 15, 2021. Tom is survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara (Manning) Linhart, whom he met in Junior High school. He is survived by his 3 beloved children;  Lisa Stantz (Brent), Courtney Whitlock (Thomas Lanham), Thomas M Linhart, Jr. (Amanda); his grandchildren, Brian and Tyler Stantz, Lola and Graydon Whitlock; his siblings, Mary Jo Cancilla (Marc) and Robert Linhart (Robin); his In-laws, Todd Manning (Kathleen), Mark Manning, and Lori Breiter (Richard); his 7 nieces and nephews, Zach (Kelly) and Laura Breiter, Mary Ann and Marc Cancilla;  Rob, Ryan and Jeremy Linhart; his great niece, Isla Breiter; countless, friends, colleagues, students and student-athletes.

He is a graduate of Tonawanda High School Class of ’66; Canisius College, BA Class of ’70; and Buffalo State College MA Class of ’73.

His passion besides his family and tennis, was teaching American History, the US Constitutions and service-learning in the Lockport and Spencerport Central School Districts.  He was best known for his sense of humor, the innovative way he taught Participation in Government and service-learning internships at SCSD. He coached Baseball and Tennis at the high school, community college and college/university levels NCAA Division three, two and one.

In retirement he became a college tennis official with the ITA and USTA. In his last years of life he had the joy of working for and with his son as a teaching–pro at Tennis Club of Rochester. 

During his life he was an assistant boy scout Leader for Troop 86 in Brockport and participated actively with the “Venture Crew”. Through scouts he became an active camper and hiker, hiking sections of the Appalachian and Lake Placid Trails and loved the Adirondacks. Along with his wife they were Active in Marriage Encounter, Cursillo and Prison Ministry, at Albion Correctional Medium Security Facility for Women.  He was an Associate of the Sisters of Mercy, making his lifetime covenant in 2003 and was a Prayer Guide for the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius at Mercy Spirituality Center in Rochester, NY.  He was an active member of the Newman Center, Catholic Faith Community at the College at Brockport until it closed in 2019. 

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 14, 10 am, in Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church,152 Main St., Brockport followed by a luncheon reception.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Mercy Spirituality Center, 65 Highland Ave. Rochester, NY 144620. 

In honor of his granddaughter, Lola, donations may be made to the summer day camp for autistic school-age children, “Camp Wonder ”828 Wappoo Rd., Charleston, SC 29407.

Flowers are gratefully declined. 

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