Thomas Diebold

Thomas Diebold

November 19, 1944~October 15, 2024

Thomas Joseph Diebold, of St. Petersburg, passed away on October 15, 2024 at home with family by his side. He was born on November 19, 1944 to parents, Robert and LaVerne (Dolan) Diebold in Chicago, Illinois. He enlisted in the U.S Army in 1963. After his three years in the army, he moved to Florida until he took a job that led him to Georgia. In 1971, Tom met his bride to be Patricia and they were married in August of 1972. Shortly after marrying, he moved his family to St. Petersburg. In February of 1975, Tom joined the St. Petersburg Police Department where he served until 1995. Over his 20 years with the Department, Tom was a detective in the Vice and Narcotics Unit for eight years, and the Intelligence Unit for 10 years. Tom was nicknamed “Daddy” by his fellow officers. While working in the intelligence unit, he worked multiple task forces including many years with the FBI. After retiring from the St. Petersburg Police Department, Tom went to work with the Pinellas/Pasco State Attorney’s office where he investigated homicides until retiring in 2015. Tom is survived by his wife, Pat; sons, Mike Brown (Teresa), Tim Brown (Gretchen), Bart Diebold (Jenn) and Brian Diebold (Angie); seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Life in his honor on October 26th, at 11:00 at the, Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, 4951 78th Ave. N. Pinellas Park, FL.

Celebration of Life Service

Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center

  • October 26, 2024
  • 11:00 am
  • Email Details
  • 4951 78th Ave. N.
    Pinellas Park
    Florida 33781

Condolence

Rod Steckel

October 24, 2024, 11:33 pm

Tom, aka “Daddy” was a man’s man. I met and knew Tom playing alongside of him for many years in men’s softball tournament leagues. We happened to have retired from separate Pinellas law enforcement agencies and both went on to work for the Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney. I’m not sure when his nickname “Daddy” originated but I’m pretty sure I can say WHY he was informally named that: he was a tremendous role model to all. His work ethic was second to none, as was his integrity / trustworthiness. He typified the kind of father all of us would want- staunchly honest, devoted to always doing the right thing(s), caring, true in spirit, always focused on doing his best and always ‘being there’ for others. Occasionally, after a game, an invitation to both teams to join together on the field for a prayer saw Tom, without hesitation, show his teammates his deep faith. Again, he was a great role model for all who knew and loved him! Prayers and peace for his awesome wife Pat and his great family!

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