Thomas Servilla

Thomas(Tom) Servilla, born September 17, 1925 in Bayonne, New Jersey, peacefully left us on earth on September 2, 2018 to be with his departed loved ones, friends and dogs in heaven.  He enlisted in the Army shortly after high school and proudly served in the 343rd Infantry Division as a heavy mortar crewman in the European and Pacific theaters during WWII.  He married Loraine, his high school sweetheart on November 12, 1950. He graduated from New Jersey State Teacher’s College with a degree in education and Rutgers University with a master’s degree in education and a master’s degree in geology.  He taught high school in New Jersey and then with his wife and 5 children moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1968 to further his education at the University of New Mexico where he was a beloved member of the Geology Department.  He also taught middle and high school for the Albuquerque Public Schools System.  He educated and mentored many, including his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout his career and continued to do so with all he crossed paths with  up until his death.   In the last years of his life his body failed him but his mind stayed sharp and his will stayed strong. He was preceded in death by his parents Julia and Steve Servilla, as well as his two younger brothers, Ronald and Steven Servilla.    He is survived by his loving wife Loraine, who selflessly cared for him thru his last 7 years with his body crippled by arthritis. He is also survived  his children Karen Servilla (husband John Kien), Patricia Kapsner ( husband Curt Kapsner), Thomas Servilla (wife Cynthia Cunningham),   Mark Servilla (wife Christina Dal Santo) and Michael Servilla (wife Megan), grandchildren Joshua Kapsner, Jeremy Kapsner (wife Gabriela),  Sabrina Kien (significant other Juan Silva), Jonathan Zak Kien, Cassandra Kien, and Lasair Servilla, great grandchildren Jeremyray Torres Kapsner,  Elecia Janssen Kapsner, Katalina Kapsner, Jazmine Silva, step grandchildren and great-grandchildren Chris, Eleyna, Michael Ray and Isabela ­­­­­­­­­­­­and his beloved dogs, Johnnie and Billie.   He is, has been and will continue to be the wind beneath their wings and will be greatly missed by all until united again in heaven.  The family would like to thank Dr. Mary Spivey and all who worked with her at the Albuquerque VA Hospital caring for him and Compassus Hospice, especially Lori Healey RN and Manny who provided home care for over 2 years.   Mass will be celebrated in his honor at Prince of Peace Catholic Church on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 10 am and a viewing and memorial service will occur at 6:00-7:00 pm at Daniels Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers Tom and his family request that donations be made to the Animal Humane Society of New Mexico,the Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Rescue or the Walkin N Circles Ranch Horse Rescue.  His love for life and family was matched by his love for his dogs!