Kenneth Sing Tom

Kenneth Sing Tom, known affectionately as Ken or Kenny by his friends and family, passed away on November 9, 2024, at the age of 76. Born on February 24, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland, Ken was a man whose resilience and stoicism left a lasting impression on all who knew him. After a valiant battle with liver cancer, Ken departed peacefully in Columbia, Maryland.

Ken was the eldest child of Sing Jin Tom and Bow Ken Lee. Growing up, he often looked after his brother Richard and sister Gloria. All three worked in their parents’ restaurants and carryout. Ken went to Southern High School in Baltimore, where he played lacrosse. He attended the University of Maryland and Athens College in Alabama. He studied math, participated in ROTC, and would later recount many tales of his days in the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.  After graduating, he began his career as a software engineer.  For three decades, Ken dedicated his expertise to Westinghouse and subsequently Northrop Grumman, where he was respected for his professional skills and cherished for his camaraderie.

Ken enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as watching the Ravens, Orioles, and Terps; collecting model trains; and tending to his yard and home. He cared for his grandmother and mother for many years. In his retirement, he smiled most when babysitting his grandchildren. A proud grandfather, he enjoyed giving his grandkids treats and holding them during naps.

Ken was above all devoted to his family. He is predeceased by his parents, Sing Jin and Bow Ken. He is survived by: wife Linda Chin Tom; sons Steven Tom (Judy Leung) and Kevin Tom (Kelly Turner); daughter Lisa Tom (Michael Ricci); brother Richard Tom (Eva Tom); sister Gloria Lawrence (Richard Lawrence); four beloved grandchildren; and several loving nieces and nephews.

His presence was a source of stability and warmth to everyone who crossed his path.

As we say goodbye to Kenneth Sing Tom, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and love. Ken found satisfaction in duty, order and beauty in the details, strength in adversity, and happiness in the company of his friends and family. His spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A viewing will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Harry H. Witzke's Family Funeral Home at 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, MD, 21043. 

A second viewing will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 10:30am-12:30pm, followed by a Funeral Service from 12:30pm–2:30pm at Harry H. Witzke's Family Funeral Home at 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, MD, 21043. 

Memorial donations may be made to the University of Pennsylvania liver transplant research fund  at https://giving.aws.cloud.upenn.edu/fund?program=MED&fund=604150

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