Thomas Vicario Obituary

Thomas P. VicarioThomas Phillip "Vic" Vicario, beloved father, coach, and friend, passed away peacefully in Hilton Head, South Carolina on August 29, 2025. He was 73. Born and raised in Bangor, Pennsylvania, Tom was a true original-known for his charisma, determination, and passion for the things he loved. A gifted athlete and lifelong teacher, Tom went by "Vic" during his years as a tennis pro, where he built the entire tennis program at Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. He organized lessons, round robins, and clinics with enthusiasm and flair, creating lasting memories for countless players and families who returned summer after summer.Tom also made his mark as a high school coach, leading both the boys' and girls' tennis teams at Saucon Valley High School. His impact on his players earned him recognition into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame.Later in life, Tom retired to Hilton Head with his life partner Suzie, one of his favorite places, where he pursued his dream of playing music. Never one to shy away from a challenge (or a stage), he taught himself guitar, learned to sing and perform, and spent his time covering songs that brought him joy.Tom loved cars. Fast, cool, flashy-he had them all, and they were as much a part of his story as his signature confidence. He also loved a good cheesesteak from Crossroads in Hellertown, a hearty serving of scrapple, and breakfast at the Serving Spoon in Bangor (a place he missed dearly once it closed), and any buffet.His personality was big. He could be magnetic and polarizing, driven and difficult, funny and frustrating, all at once. He made friends everywhere he went and left an impression that wasn't easily forgotten.Tom was predeceased by his parents, Phillip and Winifred (Shaw) Vicario. He is survived by his partner, Suzie Ritter; his daughter Vanessa; son Phillip (wife Rachel); four grandchildren, Tazio and Tatiana Vargas and Henry and Cameron Vicario; brother Pat (wife Deborah), nieces Tessa Vicario and Terra Vicario-Wagner (son Jake); and many family members and friends who loved him for exactly who he was.No services are scheduled at this time. Please consider making a donation in Tom's memory to:MUSC FoundationC/O Movement Disorders Program-PSP Research18 Bee Street, MSC 450Charleston, SC 29425