Thomas Curley Walker was born to Thomas Jethro Walker and Elaine Walker in Harlem, New York on July 7, 1941. He grew up in a loving household with his two parents and three siblings—Lillian, Cherie, and Terry. When he was 19 years old, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served from 1960 to 1964. In 1964, he met and fell in love with a young woman—Quyt Pham-- while serving his country in Vietnam. The two were married at the United States Embassy of Saigon in 1965. Shortly thereafter, they relocated to the United States.

Thomas was very kind, caring, and generous. He was always anxious to help out a friend or relative in need. He can be best remembered for his gregarious nature, his dynamic smile, and his hearty laugh, which could liven a room and bring joy to those around him. Thomas was lovingly and jokingly referred to by family and friends as “The Hermit”. His alone time focused on his passion for movies. He was a movie fanatic! He had an impressive library of movies in his vast collection. If you asked him for a movie, he most likely had it. He also thought he would become a big time director and make a movie one day! Although he enjoyed his hobby, his family meant the world to him. He always made family and friends feel welcomed and loved whenever he spent time with them. Most of his loved ones’ fondest memories were of holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, when he enjoyed opening up his home with warmth that embodied the true meaning of the word “family”, as taught to him by his parents. For these reasons, and countless more, his loss is felt tremendously.

Thomas departed this life on March 30, 2015 at Jamaica Hospital. Left to cherish his memory are four children; Elaine Valentin, Kandi D. Guerra, Tommy E. Walker, and Tommy Pham; his 10 grandchildren; Joshua N. Valentin, Jacob C. Valentin, Jillian K. Valentin, Tommy E. Walker Jr., Thomas Pham, Jr., Tristan Pham, Brian Guerra, Alejandro Guerra, Francisco Guerra, and Darlene Guerra; his sister, Lillian Walker Moss and his brother, Terry N. Walker; his sons in law, Franklin Valentin and Alex Guerra; his extended family- Huong Lien Vu, Hoang Vu, Hai Vu, Thuy (Vu) Coles, and Mai Vu; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends-all whose lives have been immensely touched by his presence.

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