Thomas Jeffrey Gurbach

Thomas Jeffrey Gurbach

July 02, 1984 - September 06, 2022

Thomas Jeffrey Gurbach

July 02, 1984 - September 06, 2022

Obituary

Thomas Jeffrey Gurbach
July 2nd, 1984 – September 6th, 2022

Thomas Jeffrey Gurbach, born July 2nd, 1984 in Torrance, California, passed away peacefully at age 38, on Tuesday September 6th, 2022 in Irvine, California. Tom is the beloved son of Thomas Gurbach and Debra Gurbach, cherished brother of David Gurbach and Noelle Gurbach, and loved relative of his surviving Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, and Cousins.

Tom was a lifelong Orange County resident, enjoying the companionship of nearby friends and family. Tom graduated from Aliso Niguel High School in 2002, where he passionately performed in the marching band all four years of attendance. Tom worked hard to earn the title of Snare Captain in the school’s drumline which competed and ranked nationally by the conclusion of his senior year. Tom’s musical prowess continued beyond school, as a member of locally performing bands SRS and October Era. Tom’s music and artistic ability will continue to live on in his recordings and also in the students he taught at the local Middle School each year. Tom also volunteered some of his time as a drummer during church services at the San Francisco Solano Catholic Church in RSM.

Music was Tom’s primary passion and he loved it dearly, yet his artistic ability transcended it. Tom was the type of person that was always practicing a new hobby, and seeing how proficient he could become in it before anyone else found out he was even interested in it. Some of these self-taught skills included canvas painting, card magic, reading sheet music for a new instrument, and even game development. Tom enjoyed attending Concerts, Cirque du Soleil shows, Magic Acts, Comedic Performances, Amusement Parks, and playing golf. It takes the average golfer 24 years to hit a hole in one, Tom accomplished it in two years.

Professionally, Tom was extremely proud that he had achieved three separate careers in his lifetime. Tom started out with Starbucks Coffee in 2004 as a barista following high school. He enjoyed the fast paced atmosphere, and the relationships he forged with customers on a daily basis. By the time Tom left Starbucks, he was the Store Manager at the Lake Forest, CA location. In 2008, Tom became a career planner for full-time working students at National University. While planning others’ careers, Tom also meticulously planned out his own. In 2011, Tom obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from National University. Three years later, Tom became the first person in the family with a Master’s Degree, which he earned in Data Analytics. Tom did not wait long to put his new degrees to use, as he joined the UC Irvine family as a Data Business Analyst in 2014. Tom continued to strive for additional knowledge and worth to the company, and in 2018 received his Salesforce Certification, and was subsequently promoted to a Salesforce Administrator.

As a person, Tom was genuine, humble, modest, organized, and detail oriented. He loved life, and those that shared it with him.

Family will receive friends for a visitation at O’Connor Mortuary at 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 on Tuesday September 20th, 2022 from 7-9PM. A private burial service will be held at El Toro Memorial Park. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at a time and place to be determined. More details to follow.

Please help us celebrate Tom by sharing your stories & photos at We Remember, https://www.weremember.com/tom-gurbach/7s0p/memories

 

Visitation

  • Date & Time: September 20, 2022 (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
  • Venue: O'Connor Mortuary
  • Location: 25301 Alicia Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 581-4300

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2 responses to Thomas Jeffrey Gurbach

  1. Rob Yescombe says:

    Tom was a regular on my Zoom Quiz during the heat of the pandemic. He was a good sport and a very welcome presence with a good sense of humour. He will be missed.

    With Love,

    Rob Yescombe

  2. Please accept my deepest sympathies during this very difficult time. I knew Tom since he joined the UCI Advancement IT team in 2014. He liked to learn, to take on challenges and to improve his technical skills. He was quiet but he knew how to make his point. Tom was grateful to Jill, Derek and Ashish for giving him the opportunities to grow in his career. Everyone liked Tom and wanted him in their team. Last time I saw Tom was in June when our team went to lunch to celebrate Jill’s retirement. We were joking, laughing, and sharing work memories. I will cherish that moment.
    Blessings,
    Daniela

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