Thomas Michael Ares' Obituary
Thomas Ares, age 81, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Thomas was born on September 30, 1944, in New York, New York, to Maximo and Kathrine Brownlee Ares. At age 2, his family moved to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he grew up during apartheid. A good athlete, Tom developed a lifelong love of sports and played rugby as left forward in the scrum, where his strength and resilience were defining qualities.
At the age of 18, Tom returned to the United States and enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. The Navy chose him to spend a year at Annapolis and later, he served aboard the USS Pictor, traveling the South China Sea. After his military service, Tom attended night school while working full-time, earning a Bachelor of Science at North Florida University through perseverance and determination. He built a distinguished career in banking and finance, serving as President of Florida National Bank of Florida in Gainesville.
His career and military service took him to 42 countries, satisfying his curiosity about the world. One highlight was 2 years living in Jakarta, Indonesia, during an overseas assignment for an American banking software company. It was a wonderful experience living and traveling through Southeast Asia, enjoying the people and the cultures.
Tom loved staying active throughout his life. In addition to rugby, he enjoyed playing squash and racquetball and running in marathons. He was, of course, a huge fan of the Florida Gators. He was also an exceptionally talented woodworker, loving to see what the grain of the wood would reveal. His handcrafted pens and wooden boxes reflected his precision and creativity.
Retirement gave Tom new opportunities to serve. He and his wife volunteered at Hospice resale stores, helped at his grandson's elementary school, and as a Food for Kids volunteer.
More than his accomplishments, Tom will be remembered for the man he was. Though strong in both body and character, he was remarkably gentle and humble. He was a man of faith, devoted husband, a loving father, and an active and proud grandfather. He loved to get on the floor and wrestle with his grandkids and even let them win.
His family will always remember his strength, gentle heart, wisdom, and the unconditional love he gave so freely. His legacy is found not only in the places he traveled to or the career he built, but in the countless lives he made brighter simply by being with others.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy, his children, his cherished grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maximo and Kathrine Brownlee Ares.
A Celebration of Tom's life will be held Saturday, August 1st at 10:30 a.m. at Servants of Christ Anglican Church, 3530 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL with the Reverend Susan Rhodes officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Parkinson’s Foundation. https://www.parkinson’s.org.
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