Thomas Moreno

04/14/1931 – 04/05/2024 

Thomas Moreno, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 92 years old.

Thomas was born in Old Town Carpinteria, a place that held a special significance throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his father Martin and mother Julia Moreno; his brother David; and his sisters Hermalinda and Isabel. He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Mary Moreno; his sons Thomas (Renee) and Edward of Carpinteria; his grandson Nicholas of Denver, Colorado; and his brother Ernest Moreno and sister Hortensia Tobar.

Thomas’s journey was one of service and dedication. He attended Aliso Elementary School and Carpinteria High School before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1952, where he proudly served his country. Stationed at Harlingen Air Force Base in Texas and serving in Okinawa, Japan, Thomas demonstrated unwavering commitment and bravery.

It was upon his return home that Thomas’s path intersected with Mary Lobero, whom he met in December 1955 and later married on Sept. 1, 1956, at The Old Mission in Santa Barbara. Their love story became the cornerstone of a beautiful family legacy.

A man of many talents, Thomas was a skilled athlete, playing semi-pro baseball for the Carpinteria Merchants and Hidalgo Plumbers. His passion for sports extended to track and field, and he was an avid fan of University of Southern California football and Dodgers baseball. Thomas’s support for his family was unwavering, attending his son’s football and basketball games at Bishop Diego High School. He enjoyed his grandson’s various activities, from Tee Ball to violin recitals. He even attended performances at the Lobero Theatre with Santa Barbara Youth Symphony. 

Beyond his family and sports, Thomas was deeply involved in his community. He was a proud member of the Bishop Diego Dad’s Club, Kiwanis Club, Carpinteria Chamber of Commerce, SB/Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Club and Camarillo Sister Cities Club. His spirit of adventure led him and Mary to travel extensively, exploring the farthest corners of the world visiting exotic countries and taking countless cruises. He even took the family on a coast-to-coast road trip from Carpinteria to Portland Maine.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Joseph Chapel, 4691 Seventh St., Carpinteria, on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. A reception will immediately follow at Lions Park, 6197 Casitas Pass Road, Carpinteria. 

His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Vaya con Dios, Tommy. Until we meet again.

Our family would also like to thank the staff at Mission Park and VNA Hospice for their kindness and care.