Thomas J. Linevitch

Thomas J. Linevitch, 82 of Bridgeport passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by the love of his family on December 26, 2025. He was the loving and devoted husband to Valerie Gilford. Tom was born April 27, 1943 in Wiles Barre, PA to the late John Linevitch, Sr. and Genevieve Szurnicki Linevitch. As a young child his family moved to Mountain Top PA where he learned and enjoyed the sport of fishing and became an angler. While in elementary school his family moved to Bridgeport, CT. where he attended Bridgeport Public Schools and Bullard Havens Technical School. Tom graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering.

As a young man, Tom proudly served in the United States Navy. He was part of line of sailors who defended the United States during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was part of the Bay of Pigs defense plan. As an employee of Electric Boat and KTA Tator, Inc., Tom rose through the ranks, achieving the title of Chief Quality Assurance Inspector. Part of a small group of International NACE (National Association of Certified Corrosion Engineers) inspectors, two of his proudest career accomplishments were: (1) the chief inspector for the spire on the top of 1 World Trade Center and (2) overseeing the process to preserve the signature of President Obama on the cornerstone of the World Trade Transportation Center.

Tom was an avid fan of UCONN men’s and women’s basketball, the Cleveland Browns and the NY Yankees. He also enjoyed a good fishing trip with friends on Long Island Sound. Tom was deeply devoted to his Lord and to service at Blackrock Church, where he proudly served as an usher for a number of years. There was no greater joy to Tom than special occasions when he was surrounded by his family.

Tom is survived by his wife Valerie Gilford, who he referred to as my beautiful, wonderful wife. Valerie and he shared a love and respect that was immeasurable to the end. Tom is also survived by his two daughters and son who brought him endless joy; Penny (Kent) Avery from Edmond OK, Kristy (Josh) Basso from West Paris, Maine and Kyle from Plainfield, CT. He was the adoring grandfather of: Kirsten, Kyle Jr., Tori, Zack, Jon, Thomas, Matt, Jake, NickL. and Nick B. Tom was blessed with 5 great-grandchildren; Savanah, Anabelle, Juliette, Rosalie, and Grayson. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, John Linevitch, Jr.

The family would like to thank all the Medical Personnel who gave Tom such tremendous care: Northeast Medical Group, Smilow Cancer Center, Yale-New Haven Health Hospice, and Be Caring Homecare.

Friends and family may visit at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Rd. Fairfield on Sunday January 4, 2026 from 1-4PM. Military Honors will be rendered at 4:00PM and a Memorial Service will be held at Black Rock Church in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans or St Jude Children’s Hospital.