Thomas A. Lombardo, MD
Thomas A Lombardo:
Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at the age of 95, after a ten-year battle with cancer. He defied many odds with his illness and was able to live several years past his expectancy. He was born September 10, 1927, in Beaumont, Texas.
The third child of Anthony and Antoinette Maida Lombardo, Tom graduated from Beaumont High School in 1944, then attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated in 1946. After graduation, he was accepted into medical school at the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, graduating number two in his class in 1951.
In June of 1950, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor Jean Ming, in Beaumont, Texas. After graduating from medical school, he did a year of research in Birmingham, Alabama with his mentor, Tinsley R. Harrison, MD – generally acknowledged as one of the finest academic physicians in the entire history of modern medicine. He began training in his chosen field of Internal Medicine and Cardiology. First, as an intern at the Brigham Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, then a residency in internal medicine at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, followed by a fellowship in cardiovascular diseases at the National Institute of Health in Washington, D.C. He also was served with USPHS from 1954-56 as a senior assistant surgeon.
During these years Tom and Jean had three children, Karen, Lauren and Randy, each of whom were born in different cities.
Upon completing his medical training, he joined the faculty at the University of Alabama Medical School. After a year in academic medicine, he felt the need to return to his hometown of Beaumont in 1957; it was there that he opened his own medical practice in cardiology where he continued to work into his early 90’s.
Dr. Lombardo was the first cardiologist to practice in Southeast Texas and under his initiative and direction many new treatments and procedures were introduced. He was the driving force behind bringing cardiac catheterization and eventually open-heart surgery to Southeast Texas. He has a long list of “firsts” in Southeast Texas. He opened the first coronary care unit (CCU) at St. Elizabeth Hospital, performed the first cardiac catheterization, implanted the first pacemaker, did the first angioplasty (balloon dilation of a heart artery), and one of his patients was the first to have coronary artery bypass surgery. He was passionate about his work and learning. Many people attribute their careers to him, most notably his cousin, Carlogera Palermo’s sons – Giuseppe and Antonio, who are both physicians.
During the early years in Beaumont, he enjoyed an active social life with family and wonderful friends. In 1985, his wife, Jean, was stricken with cancer and passed away at the young age of 59. Over the next 35+ years he split his time between Beaumont and Indian Wells, California; otherwise known as his home away from home where he honed his beloved game of golf and enjoyed an active social life. At The Vintage Club Tom was very loved by many and often thought of as The Vintage Club’s resident “physician” and a great comfort to many. He cherished this role until his death. One of his friends said, “there are very few people like Tom Lombardo, who touched many people of all walks of life, I will miss my dear friend.”
He had many affectionate nick names – the “Little General”, “Tidy Tommy” and “Tommy, the Stint” but his most endearing one – Poppy, a name given to him by his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his children, as well as the many grandchildren he was blessed with. Always the gentleman, Tom was an outstanding host and chef and wore his Sicilian heritage like a badge of honor. He was even found in the kitchen in the last few weeks of his life directing the preparation of meals while Sinatra was playing in the background.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first grandson Samuel Thomas Fertitta and his wife of 37 years, Jean, and three brothers, Anthony Harry, Frank William and Dr. Carlos Roy.
He is survived by his sister, Anna Mae Fertitta and brother-in-law, R. T. Fertitta. His children and their families: Karen and Kevin Henry, their children: Nicole Fertitta, Luke and Mary Fertitta, and their son Jude, (Tom Lombardo’s first and only great grandchild), Jonas and Caroline Fertitta and Marshall Henry. His daughter Lauren Jean Lombardo; son Randy, his wife Sally and their five children: Noah, Nathaniel, Sam and his wife Amanda, Jesse, and Olivia along with his many nieces and nephews, all of whom he deeply loved.
The family wishes to thank the physicians who took care of him including but not limited to: Drs. Girish Kansara, Scott McKenney, John Henderson, Keith Weidd, and Dr. Courtney DiNardo, Dr. Christopher Logothetis. We also want to extend our gratitude Loretta Eaglin and his care givers Rosa, Erica, Alicia, and Zena.
In lieu of flowers, Tom and his family would appreciate any memorial gift to CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation
https://www.christussoutheasttexasfoundation.org/ways-to-give/make-a-donation/
The family wishes to thank all for their friendship and support of Tom.
A funeral service for Dr. Lombardo will be 3:00 p.m., Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.
Video
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- August 24, 2023
- 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
My sincere condolences Dr Randy Lombardo and family on the passing of Dr TA Lombardo. I will always remember him with fondness and treasure the wonderful years working with him in the cath lab. May God’s love bring you all peace.
My thoughts & prayers are with you all. May god wrap his hands around you all for comfort in the days to come.
He was known as Poppy during the years of my children growing up down the street from Sally and Randy. Our thoughts and prayers to all the family. He will be missed.
A fine gentlemen an incredible doctor that developed one of the best heart institute. In Beaumont second to none
Always enjoyed our time together eating pasta. And meatballs con suco fresco at my home
Also cucuzza & eggplants
He would call and ask did I have any. Of course I would say. He would show up with several ladies from his office. I will miss him much
The world was better off with him than without him.
We came to know Tom personally as both patient and friend here in the California desert where he lived part of the year. Even at the age of 95 I believe he could have taught classes in cardiology—he was still at the top of his class. He had that wonderful Texas- Italian drawl and great sense of humor (wine is fruit salad so it is good for your health).
Tom was fortunate to be rich with family and friends who considered him beloved.
Philip Dreisbach, M.D. and Jeannette Dreisbach
Rancho Mirage CA
always enjoyed the time spent with Dr. Tommy at the Lombardo home. prayers and sympathy to the family. May he rest in peace.
I enjoyed the opportunity to know and work with Dr. Lombardo for a limited time. As a visionar, he developed the heart program in Beaumont.
Prayers for the family and love and prayers for Dr. Randy who took care of my husband for over 25 years.
I only really knew of Tom Lombardo as a child. My family left Beaumont in 1970 (I was to turn 8 in that year). I spent a lot of time with his sister Anna Mae’s family growing up. I remember Frank and Carlos too. I didn’t really understand the impact of his life then but I do now. What a great story his life is. He will be missed, but his legacy will be remembered and cherished.
We were fortunate to spend time with Tommy over the years in Colorado Springs, Indian Wells and Houston. He was a brilliant conversationalist and was unfailingly kind and gentlemanly. He led a great life and we were blessed to be touched by him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of celebration of Tommy’s life. Diane and John Connally
It was a pleasure to work for Dr Lombardo in the 80’s in his office and at St Elizabeth. Condolences to Karen, Lauren and Dr Randy.
He was a great man.
Thoughts and love to the Lombardo family.
It was an honor to have known Dr Lombardo. We know he will be greatly missed. Sharon & Scott
Very sorry to read of Dr. Lombardo’s passing. He was a very accomplished and much admired man. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen, Randy, and Lauren.
Karen, Randy, and Bitsy, my sincere condolences to you and the passing of your wonderful father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Condolences to family and friends of Dr. Thomas Lombardo. He was a very respected Doctor and friend. He was a tremendous asset to his many patients. Rest in peace Dr. Lombard, you are greaty missed.
Sincere condolences to the family. May your sweet father rest in peace.
Dr Lombardo lived a long life of saving others with his skills of being a great Dr, Dad, and gentleman rest in peace. Sorry for the loss Karen, Randy, and Bitsey
Mike Howell
Dr Lombardo lived a long life of saving others with his skills of being a great Dr, Dad, and gentleman rest in peace. Sorry for the loss Karen, Randy, and Bitsey
Mike Howell
Mike –
So nice of you to comment. Paula told us of your recent health and she said all is good not. PRAISE God. I have loved reconnecting wiht Paula and sharing so many stories of our fun together. Hope all is well and thank you for your wonderful words.
Karen
Dr.Lombardo,was the most kindness,and smartest man I have known.I have been in his company,as his housekeeper for about 25yrs.He never treated me as such,but as a friend.He was always there for any advice I ask of him.He never really let things bother him.He didn’t care about material things,only about the life of others.We had morning talks when I get there,and he always made my day.I will miss my friend.So to the family,I say you had the best dad children can have.Rest in Peace,Dr.Lombardo, your work here is over.
Dr. Tom Lombardo saved my husbands life way back when he had a light stroke, fell off his lawnmower. Called his heart Dr, couldn’t get in for 2 weeks but Dr Tom said meet you at ER and since then the Lombardos have been our heart Drs! Want to extend my heart felt sympathy to all his family and workers in his office! May Our Lord give you peace and comfort!
Karen, Bitsy and Randy….your dad was one of the finest men I’ve ever known. I always enjoyed being with him and all the wonderful talks we had. May he Rest In Peace.
Tom was a great physician, father, brother, grandfather and friend. He will be missed by all that know him. God bless his family.
I looked up to him as a physician to admire for his skills of diagnosis and treatment, for his knowledge and care of each patient equally, and for the respect and admiration given him by his peers. He made a difference in all he was and did. RIP Tom Lombardo.
dr lombardo along with dr brady helped to extend my dad’s, jasper, life. thank you.
prayers for the family.
mike cacioppo
Such a compassionate man and wonderful doctor.
We are so proud of the Lombardo family who contributed a lot to the community.
Now, Randy will carry the torch His daddy passed on many years ago. RIP Tommy.
Condolences to the Lombardo family
Randy and family
I’m so sorry and my prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time🙏
Karen, Randy, and Bitsy, your dad was so well respected, a fine man and doctor. He will not be forgotten in this community.
Dr. Lombardo was such a fine man. Always there for his patients, saving countless lives and helping others to have a healthier life . He will be missed by all who knew him, and Beaumont will mourn his passing. May you rest in God’s eternal peace .