AUSTINTOWN – Thomas Edward Infante, 85, passed away Monday evening, November 18, 2024, in the comfort of his home.

Thomas was born June 4, 1939, in Youngstown, a son of the late Anthony and Teresa Simeo Infante, immigrants from Bagnoli Irpino, Italy. He embraced his Italian heritage and carried his parents' values of hard work and perseverance throughout his life.

Tom graduated from East High School in 1957 and, with a deep sense of duty, enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the Army Security Agency, studying Russian at the Army Language School before being deployed to Europe. Following his honorable discharge, Tom returned to Youngstown and pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree from Youngstown University and a master's degree in education from Westminster College.

Tom dedicated many years to education in the Youngstown City School System, serving as a teacher and basketball coach at his alma mater, East High School and as a teacher at Stambaugh School. His passion for learning and growth led him to become an assistant principal at Lincoln School and later the principal at Roosevelt School. Ever eager to expand his horizons, Tom pursued postgraduate studies at Kent State University before earning a juris doctorate from Akron Law School.

In 1972, Tom embarked on a distinguished legal career in Youngstown. He served as acting Judge in Struthers Municipal Court, Past President of the Mahoning County Bar Association, and legal counsel for the Mahoning County Children Services Board for over three decades. Additionally, he was a referee for the Ohio Department of Education and a past president of D&E Clinic. His leadership extended to serving as President of the Poland Board of Education and the Mahoning County Bar Foundation. In 2009, his dedication to ethics and justice was recognized with the Mahoning County Bar Association Professionalism Award.

On September 26, 1998, Tom and the former Elizabeth "Betsy" Joyce Rappach were married in Mackinac Island. Together, they shared 26 years of marriage, filled with laughter, love, and shared passions. Tom's skill and devotion to gardening were unmatched, as seen in his vibrant vegetable and rose gardens. He found immense joy in sharing his harvest with friends and family. Tom and Betsy also treasured their travels, especially their travels to Ireland.

Tom was a lover of sports, an avid fan of golf, and a connoisseur of British television shows. His beloved black cats were constant companions, embodying his deep love for animals.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Betsy; his children, Renee Infante of Cincinnati, Thomas Infante of Cold Spring, KY., John (Sara) Rappach of Youngstown and Laura Carlini of Youngstown; three grandchildren, Taylor (Vincent) DePascale of Pittsburgh, Alexander Infante of West Virginia and Gianella Infante of Cold Spring, KY; a great-grandchild, Loumano DePascale; his sister, Ann Mancini of Youngstown and his brother Anthony (Ginny) Infante of Canfield.

Tom joins in eternal rest his parents; his brothers, Dominic and infant Thomas; his sister, Mary Louise Walker; and his brother-in-law, Dan Mancini.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Cornerstone Caregiving and Hospice of the Valley for their compassion and care.

Per Tom's request, private services will be held at Kinnick Funeral Home on Monday, November 25, 2024.

A committal service with military honors will follow at Green Haven Memorial Gardens in Austintown.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Angels for Animals, 4750 OH-165 Canfield, OH 44406, honoring Tom's love for animals, or to Hospice of the Valley 979 Tibbetts Wick Rd., Suite A, Girard, OH 44420.