Tommy Edward Hackett was born on September 27, 1950 in German Village, an historic area of Columbus, Ohio. He died at age 69 of complications associated pancreatic cancer on 3 September 2020 at his home in Galloway, Ohio. Tommy is preceded in death by his father and mother, Clarence Edward and Dorothy Mae. He leaves behind his wife Pat of 45 years, sons Brad (Sherry), Brian (Sharon), Justin, Shawn, Tommy, daughter Vicki, granddaughters Kyleigh and Tabitha, sisters Diane (Lloyd), Susan (Richard), brothers, John (Shelley), and Don (Elda).
Tommy’s formative years were spent competing in sports and learning all aspects of becoming a firefighter. He grew up next to the old Firehouse #5 on Thurman Ave., spending much of his time learning about the apparatus, equipment, and organizational chain of command. If Mom needed her oldest son, she knew he’d either be at Schiller Park or the Firehouse. Firefighting was in Tommy’s blood and his ultimate goal was to become a firefighter and retire from a job he loved. After graduation from South High School and at the urging of his father Clarence, Tom joined the U.S. Navy in June 1968. Tom spent four years in the U.S. Navy, the majority of which were spent working around supersonic aircraft and serving on Navy Carriers deployed overseas. After the Navy, Tommy was accepted into the Columbus Fire Academy and he was now on track to fulfill his childhood dreams. Tommy served over 32 years as a Columbus Firefighter, achieving the rank of Battalion Chief. He loved the “Boots on the Ground” aspect of firefighting versus the politics and policy setting associated with advanced ranks. Tommy was an active member of the IATSE Local 12 Skilled Stage Hands Union for over 30 years. As a stage hand he set-up and disassembled complex stages and lighting in support of extravagant Broadway shows and concerts. During his off time, Tommy was a consummate wood worker, loved to golf, and enjoyed activities with his grandchildren. He could fabricate any piece of furniture that would rival anything you could find in Amish country. Tommy’s Myrtle Beach trips to play golf with his firefighting buddies occurred annually with only those in attendance knowing what transpired.
Tommy’s love for children was evident; he along with his wife Pat raised six – Brad, Brian, Vickie, Justin, Shawn, and Tommy. Once they were grown, he was fortunate to have two granddaughters that he could take swimming, golfing, to the park, and do anything they enjoyed. He and his granddaughter Tabitha were inseparable-when you called Tommy, you could hear Tabitha in the background. They seemed to speak the same language and enjoyed being together and enjoying all activities.
Friends may call Tuesday, September 8 from 10am to noon at Jerry Spears Funeral Home, 2693 West Broad Street. Service at noon, Rev. Larry Baker officiating.
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