Thomas Stys

Thomas Stys, age 82, of Milpitas, CA, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2024.

Thomas was born on May 23, 1942, in Dortmund, Germany. He was an only child to Thomas Stys Sr. and Therese Mehl Stys.

He was 15 years old when he left Germany to start a new life in California with his stepfather, Rosell Graham Jr. and mother, Therese.

Thomas proudly served in the United States Army for three years as a young man. In 1963, he was honorably discharged as an expert rifle marksman. After his military service, he worked most of his life as an auto body painter becoming so accomplished that family and friends asked him to custom paint their vehicles. In 1997, he changed his career and worked at ISE Labs Inc. in Silicon Valley until he retired.

Thomas was a craftsman and handyman at heart. He had a natural aptitude for fixing and improving things around the house. Thomas also had a passion for woodwork. He perfected beautiful pieces of woodwork and gifted them to family members. His favorite activities were feeding and watching hummingbirds, boating, and single water skiing.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Maria Stys, and stepdaughter Theresa Lahann Leggitt and son-in-law Richard Leggitt; stepson Carlos Corona and daughter-in-law Judy Newlan Corona; stepson Miguel Corona and daughter-in-law Debbie Flores Corona; step grandchildren: Robert (and Melissa) Corona; Tony (and Aimee) Corona; Serena Corona; Christopher Corona; John Griffin-Leggitt; and Mars Lahann; and 5 step great-grandchildren.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Stys Sr. and Therese Mehl Stys Graham, stepfather Rosell Graham Jr., son Erich Stys, and granddaughter Lauren Corona Crawford.

Thomas will be remembered as a loving husband, and a man who dedicated his time to raising and supporting his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him but will forever remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Thomas’ memory to the American Heart Association.