On Friday, June 12, 2020, Thomas Saliamonas (known by all who loved him as Tommy) passed away at the young age of 18.
Tommy was born on March 16, 2002, at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, California, to Stephanie Lynn Wiley and Vitautas John Saliamonas.
Tommy was a kind, compassionate, “always rooting for the underdog” person. He had an undeniable sense of adventure and enjoyed snowboarding, skateboarding, hiking, biking and spending time with friends. He had a true gift of making people feel important, loved and included. He would do anything to make people smile and was quick to strike up a conversation.
Family was so important to Tommy; he was especially close to his four grandparents and would spend hours listening to their childhood stories, helping them out around the house, and most importantly spending quality time together.
Tommy graduated from La Cañada High School on June 3. While in high school, he wrestled and raced cross-country mountain bikes. Academically, Tommy enjoyed four years of studying German and loved it so much that he spent the summer before his junior year in Germany as part of a student exchange program.
Tommy had a twinkle in his eye from the moment he was born and had an adventurous, free-spirited approach to life. Alongside Tommy in all of life’s adventures was his brother, Peter Saliamonas. Close in age, just two years apart, Tommy and Peter shared cherished laughs, experiences and wild adventures together.
Tommy will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Stephanie Wiley, and partner Stephen Gascoigne; his father, John Saliamonas, and partner Kelly Villasenor; his brother Peter Wiley Saliamonas, his grandparents Rita and Victor Saliamonas and Laurel and Webster G. Wiley III; his aunts and uncles Ilona and Behrooz Shakibnia, Rob Saliamonas, Dalia and Ignacio Renedo, Scott and Sarah Wiley, and Brett and Lindsay Wiley; and his cousins and extended family.
Tommy’s life ended too soon due to an accidental drug overdose. In lieu of food or flowers, please consider making a donation in Tommy’s name to the Gooden Center, a rehabilitation center in Pasadena.
Details about a memorial service will be shared at a later date and Tommy’s family hopes that all who loved him will join them in celebrating and remembering his life.
