Thomas Richard Siwek

SHREWSBURY - Thomas (Tom) Richard Siwek, age 52, passed away peacefully at his home in Shrewsbury, MA, on Friday, April 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on October 3, 1972, in Park Ridge, IL, to his adoring parents Phyllis Caroline Siwek (Farina) and Thomas Jeffrey Siwek. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Siwek (Schlaack) and children, Natalie Siwek (Rochester, NY) and Amanda Siwek (Shrewsbury, MA). He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

Tom was honest, selfless, naturally funny, and an excellent problem solver who took joy in mentoring others and celebrating their success. Above all else, he was a man of integrity- he prided himself in always standing by what he thought was right. Tom made his family the center of his world. He worked hard so his children could explore all their passions, and he encouraged them to follow their dreams. He was so proud that he and Jennifer raised young women who are good people who care about others.

Tom grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago, graduating from Wheaton High School in 1990. During high school he was involved in the Fox Valley Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. His participation resulted in a life-long love of all things aviation. Tom attended Bradley University in Peoria, IL, and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He always joked that his motivation to finish college was fueled by “fear of his parents.” He graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and made his parents and grandparents extremely proud.

Tom was happily married to Jennifer for 26 wonderful years. Since the day they met in 1989, they were inseparable best friends and never ran out of things to talk and laugh about. They shared an absolute obsession with being involved in every moment of Natalie and Amanda’s lives. Their days were filled with pride, as their hard work resulted in the family and life they had dreamed about.

In 2015, Tom and his family relocated to Massachusetts when he accepted the position of Vice President of Product Safety & Compliance for SharkNinja in Needham, MA. He was excited to be involved in such an innovative company and took pride in ensuring that consumers had a safe and fulfilling experience with every product they made. He proudly represented SharkNinja as a Board Member for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and was passionate about representing his company and industry in legislative and standards development. Previously, Tom worked for nearly 17 years for Robert Bosch Tool Corporation in Mount Prospect, IL, where he developed multiple patents and held many positions from Engineer to Senior Director of Product Safety & Engineering. Throughout his career, Tom received numerous professional honors, most recently the prestigious AHAM Home Appliance Industry Award (HAIL), recognizing exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to advancing the industry.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Tom was passionate about model aeronautics. He was a longstanding member of the Fox Valley Aero Club (St. Charles, IL) and the Central Massachusetts Radio Control Modelers (CMRCM, Northborough, MA). At CMRCM, Tom served as the Vice President, Secretary, website admin, and RC trainer, and made a great group of friends. He was always excited to be contacted by potential members and to help introduce them to the hobby he loved. Tom also served as the Associate Vice President for the New England District of the Academy of Model Aeronautics and enjoyed traveling the region as an ambassador for the hobby… but most importantly, Tom was the CMRCM Fun Fly Champion in 2021, 2022, and 2023!

Tom always enjoyed being involved in his community and all his daughters’ activities. He prioritized being present to support and encourage them in their interests in athletics, music, and the arts. Tom jumped at the chance to coach any recreational sports team that needed parent volunteers-usually to his daughters’ dismay. He was a master of preparing and transporting dispensers full of hot chocolate to cold Shrewsbury High School Pep Band members during football games. He was the Fundraising Chairman, webmaster, and a volunteer for Shrewsbury High School Crew, helping the team raise $85,000 for two new racing shells. He volunteered his time on the Portrait of a Graduate Committee, helping outline the skills and knowledge that Shrewsbury High School Graduates will need for future success.

He had a fearless 16-month fight against aggressive brain cancer. He vowed to “fight like hell” from the moment he woke from brain surgery in December 2023 and did all he could to reclaim his life before diagnosis. In those precious months, he watched every one of Natalie’s final collegiate crew races, proudly watched her graduate from college, fulfilled his goal of returning to work at SharkNinja, enjoyed many trips to Boston to visit Amanda at college, went on a work trip to Toronto and saw Niagara Falls, spent nearly every summer weekend morning at his model airplane club visiting his friends, and attended a Green Day show at Fenway with Amanda (a mutual favorite).

We would like to extend many thanks to Dr. Cachia and the Neuro Oncology team at UMASS Memorial in Worcester for the excellent care they provided. We thank the staff at VNA Care Network, who provided excellent personal care for Tom and supported his family. Thank you to SharkNinja for supporting Tom through his illness and believing in his goal of keeping working. A special thanks to his mother-in-law, Deb Petta, who retired from her nearly 40-year career in healthcare to lovingly help care for Tom, allowing him to remain at home surrounded by his loving family.

Tom (Toe) was a wonderful husband and father. He was a fiend for a late-night nacho and a tall glass of ice water. He resented every pizza in Massachusetts and longed for Chicago deep dish. He loved the movie Top Gun and never could pass up an opportunity to watch it AGAIN. He prided himself on his meticulously clean car which he would blast the speakers with Rush, Def Leppard, and Dave Matthews Band. He would wake up every morning singing, excited for the day ahead. He would do anything to make his girls laugh. Toe will be forever missed by Jennifer (Honey Bunny), Natalie (Mo), and Amanda (Buddy); while our time with him was cut short, we made the most of every moment.

The family is planning a celebration of life in Illinois this summer.

Arrangements are under the care of Kelly Cremation & Funeral Care, 154 Lincoln Street, Worcester.