Thomas Andrew Gnoza

December 2, 1965

March 26, 2015

Tom Gnoza, age 49, of Richland, Washington passed away on March 26, 2015, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. 

Tom was born and raised in Richland, the baby of three children born to Emiel Gnoza and Mary Lou Gnoza. 

Mr. Ralph Myrick was Tom’s all-time favorite teacher while at Jefferson, and Mr. Gene Bernard’s office was graced with Tom’s presence a couple of times, rumor has it. Gymnastics was a great time for Tom with Rod Ostboe as his coach; unfortunately, Tom grew so fast and so tall it was a short-lived adventure. His dad enjoyed watching him play grid kids for 2 seasons. He played basketball in Jr. High and High school and a few of the gaggle of boys Tom hung out with at Chief Jo went on to graduate with him from Hanford High School in 1984; while the rest went over to Richland High, but all remained friends.

His music adventure began during his Jr. High years. He played music by ear, and so did his grandmother Betty DeMeyer. She also contributed to Tom’s love of music by playing the chord on the piano and calling it out to him while teaching him to play along beside her.  Cherished family Christmas Eve’s were spent singing around the piano with Gran, and he felt proud to assume her role, playing the guitar, after she passed away.  He enjoyed learning exotic chords on the guitar from his Uncle, Joe Grueter, a wonderful musician/performer. The well-known local guitarist/teacher John LaChapelle also shared his craft with Tom. Later, Tom went on to teach himself how to play the harmonica. He even blew a trumpet for a short time.  Soon after graduation he headed out to Seattle to break into music, where the music scene was thriving. He formed his first of five bands, Thin Men, and they were featured on a compilation record of Seattle bands. After several years struggling in Seattle, he returned to Richland, where he married his first wife Peggy Goeringer and continued to write and play his music in many local restaurants and bars.

Tom was a talented musician and that was all he ever wanted to be. His later bands include Red Skeleton, Uncle Dirt Nap, and the current band The Millionaires Club. All recorded great music. Music is in his blood. He is a third generation musician.  His grandparents, Betty and Hank DeMeyer, were the band named The Stardust Trio, and their music was loved by many Tri-Citians, just as Tom’s music was. His mom Mary Lou Gnoza performs locally with Steve Haberman in The Mary Lou and Stevie Show.  His greatest pleasure and joy, was to entertain people with the songs and lyrics he composed. He covered many of his favorite singers like Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and Johnny Cash and called them “the true story tellers”.  Tom loved being shoulder-to-shoulder with lots of people, especially his darlin’ Jenny, playing their favorite songs and telling stories.  Never happier than when he was performing and often said that it was the “only place he felt at home”.  In all the time he played, his favorite gig was the Christmas party for the Responding to Autism Service organization.

He is survived by his mother, Mary Lou Gnoza of Richland, his father, Emiel Gnoza (Betty) of Las Vegas, NV, girlfriend, Jenny Dove, sister Anne Vorheis (Brian) nephews Taylor, Phillip, Spencer and Gabe Vorheis. He had many special camping adventures as a boy with his uncle and aunt, Steve DeMeyer (Debbie) and cousins Stephenie, Stevie. His large extended family consisted of many uncles, aunts and cousins he loved very much.

He was preceded in death by his brother Phillip, beloved Grandparents, Aunt Judy Grueter and his Uncle Jeff DeMeyer.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or your favorite charity would be appreciated.

Thomas Andrew was a prince of a man who will be in all our hearts forever.  We love you Tom. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 4, 2015 at Events at Sunset (915 ByPass Hwy, Richland) from 3:00pm-6:00pm.