Thomas Tully Carmody (“Santa Tom”), 79, of Westminster, Colorado passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2022. He passed away peacefully at home from complications due to congestive heart failure.

Tom was born on May 21, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois to Thomas Francis Carmody and Margaret Mary Tully. He grew up as the middle brother with his older brother, Richard, and younger brother, Terrence. As a teen, he loved spending his time playing sports, including swimming. He was a proud alumnus of St. Ignatius College Prep In Chicago, Illinois. After high school, Tom attended several universities and finished his educational degree at Southern Illinois University. This sparked his passion for teaching, learning, and sharing his knowledge in the industrial arts and mathematics. A lifelong learner, Tom also went on to earn master’s degrees from Western Michigan University and Colorado State University. He was very proud to have served as an educator in Illinois and Jefferson County (CO) Public Schools for over 50 years.

On New Year’s Eve 1970, at age 27, Tom met the love of his life, Brenda Culp in Lakewood, Colorado. Their instant connection led them to marry the following August, and they celebrated their 50th anniversary just last year. Within three years, they had started a family with their two girls, Shannon and Molly. As a family, they loved to travel and took many road trips across the United States as well as several visits to the Hawaiian Islands. Being a kind and dependable father was of the utmost importance to Tom, and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to the wholehearted love he had for his family. His passion for serving others was a quality he passed on and will serve as an essential component of his legacy.

Tom found his calling and ministry when he became a professional Santa Claus over 20 years ago. His connection to children of all ages, especially those with disabilities and illnesses, created memories for thousands of individuals. He believed that becoming Santa was his purpose and allowed him to demonstrate a heart of service to the Lord’s kingdom. This servant’s heart even took him to Haiti as Tonton Nwèl (Santa) working with the Chances for Children organization to provide hope to Haiti's children by developing leaders and empowering church communities.

Tom took great pleasure in developing and mentoring other Santas. As a member and leader within the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas (IBRBS), he continued to inspire and empower others to develop their craft as Santa and change the lives of countless children across the world. After the Marshall wildfire of 2021, Tom’s passion as Santa focused on his local community. He worked diligently to help establish the Rocky Mountain Convoy of Toys non-profit to bring Christmas and toys back to families who had lost everything. One of the greatest honors of Tom’s lifetime was being named to the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame in 2019.

Tom had several hobbies as well. He was in his element when he could build, tinker, or find a hands-on project. Tom was always “fixing” things his special way and never met a blue tarp or piece of wood that he couldn’t use for a better purpose! He loved watching all sports, live or on television, especially football and baseball, which he learned as a young boy. However, Tom’s first sports love was golf. It was this hobby that connected him to others and took him to destinations all over the globe. He even could boast that he had shot his age.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Brenda of Westminster, CO, his daughters Shannon Carmody of Woodbridge, VA, and Molly Judson and husband Aaron Bilobrk of Missausauga, Ontario, Canada, and beautiful grandaughter Amanita Judson. Tom is also survived by his brother Richard Carmody and wife Alison of Hillsborough, NC, niece Betsy Carmody of Alexandria, VA, niece Emily Carmody Kahn and husband Joe of Durham, NC, nephew Terrence, Jr. of Mundalein, IL, and nephew Christopher Carmody and wife Carolyn of Chicago, IL, as well as several great nieces. He was preceded in passing by his parents Thomas and Margaret Carmody, uncle Ray Tully, brother Terrence, sister-in-law Margaret, and nephew Thomas.

The celebration of life service honoring Santa Tom’s amazing life will be held at the United Church of Christ Longmont on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. His family will be present to welcome loved ones.

Please share your memories of Tom and read more about his amazing life by visiting our memorial site here: https://everloved.com/life-of…. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations are made in Tom's name to one of the following organizations:

Chances for Children: https://www.chances4children.…

Rocky Mountain Santas Convoy of Toys: https://business.parkerchamber.com/list/member/rocky-mountain-santas-convoy-of-toys-16168

John 13:13-17 (MSG) Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.

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