Thomas D. Corlett

April 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. Even after his most physically active years had passed, he and Lenora could always be found enjoying the simple, everyday moments together, finding comfort in each other’s constant presence and connection.

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, explored Europe and later created lasting family memories through trips to Hawaii, drives up the California coast and visits to the Grand Canyon. He found joy in being outdoors, whether in the garden, at the beach, or cheering from the sidelines. He was deeply happy outdoors and active, and that energy ran through everything he did.

An avid gardener, Thomas found joy in tending to living things, a quiet reflection of the care and intention he brought to everything in his life. Especially the landscaping for the home he and Lenora 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, on the track, and at the baseball diamond. He later carried that same enthusiasm into the lives of his grandchildren.

And if you knew Thomas, you knew that no morning was complete without a good, strong cup of coffee and something sweet alongside it. A Van de Kamp’s crumb doughnut, a cinnamon roll and an apple fritter. He had refined taste when it came to the finer things in life, and caffeine and pastries were among them. It was a small ritual that those closest to him will remember with a smile. He was also known for his sharp, specific recommendations on the latest and greatest supplements; whatever the symptom, whatever the need, Thomas had done the research and was glad to share it.

Thomas 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, Erik, and Sarah, 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.

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