Thomas D. CorlettApril 13, 1945 – June 17, 2026

Thomas D. Corlett passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, surrounded by family he loved so deeply, just as he had always been at his best, with all of them gathered close.

Born on April 13, 1945, in California, Thomas was the youngest of three siblings. He and his siblings shared a strong and lasting bond, supporting one another through all of life’s challenges. From a young age, Thomas also found solace and joy in nature, developing a lifelong love for gardening and the outdoors.

Thomas was a gifted athlete in his youth and, by all accounts, one to watch. His performance on the football field earned him a scholarship offer from UC Berkeley, and he was also in discussions with the University of Southern California. Though life ultimately took him in a different direction, his passion for the game remained with him throughout his life. A knee injury during his junior year of high school brought an end to his time on the field, and the surgery that followed resulted in a significant hearing loss. He adapted with hearing aids in his late teens, and those who knew him believed that what the injury took from him in one way, it gave back in another—deepening his awareness, empathy, and attentiveness to those around him.

Thomas met the love of his life, Lenora Brooks, in college—arriving, as family legend has it, behind the wheel of a blue Ford Mustang convertible that made quite an impression. Their love story was one everyone could see and feel, and it never dimmed. In 1978, they built a beautiful life together in Mission Viejo, California, where they raised their family and created a home that was always open to family, neighborhood friends, and anyone lucky enough to be part of their world. Thomas was never happier than when the house was full.

He was a project manager by trade, though those who knew him would say it was simply who he was—organized, driven, and deeply capable. He had no patience for foolishness and did not mince words, but beneath that directness was a passion and a kindness that came through to everyone he encountered. In the days since his passing, the words shared by those who knew him have been remarkably consistent: kindness was his defining characteristic—not passive or quiet, but intentional, steady, and deeply felt.

Thomas had an adventurous spirit that showed up early and stayed with him throughout his life. He traveled across the country as a young man and explored Europe, and later created lasting family memories through trips to Hawaii, the California coast, and the Grand Canyon. He found joy in being outdoors—whether in the garden, at the beach, or cheering from the sidelines.

An avid gardener, Thomas brought care, patience, and pride to the spaces he created, especially the home they built together on Calderas. He was deeply present in the lives of his children—cheering for his daughters on the sidelines and his sons on the football field, track, and baseball diamond—and later carried that same enthusiasm into the lives of his grandchildren.

If you knew Thomas, you also knew his morning ritual: a strong cup of coffee paired with something sweet—a crumb doughnut, a cinnamon roll, or an apple fritter. He appreciated the simple pleasures, and those routines brought him comfort. He was also known for always having a thoughtful recommendation—whether it was supplements, health advice, or something new he had researched and wanted to share.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Frances, and by his son, Thomas Daniel.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lenora; his children, Lenore, Jennifer, David, and Mark; his siblings, Jim and Kathy; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a beautiful legacy in his grandchildren—Cade, Trevor, Gabriela, King, Audrey, Noah, Liam, Sarah, and Eric—and two precious great-granddaughters, Penelope and Yuna, who will carry his spirit forward.

Thomas did not have time for foolishness—but he had all the time in the world for the people he loved. And they knew it.

He will be deeply missed.

Closing Section (Flowers & Donations)

In honor of Thomas’s life and the strength and resilience he showed throughout it, the family invites those who wish to make a contribution to consider donating to the Ehlers-Danlos Society:

Support the Ehlers-Danlos Society.

Floral arrangements are also welcome, particularly those inspired by natural greenery and garden landscapes, in keeping with the beauty he appreciated so much throughout his life.