Thomas A. Neumann
October 31, 1957 – May 10, 2023
VISITATION: Monday, May 22nd at 10am at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 1920 N. 102nd St., followed by 11am CHRISTIAN MEMORIAL MASS, 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Nebraska Heart Association or to Nebraska Humane Society.
To view a live broadcast of the Mass, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Tom Neumann was preceded in death by parents Red and Rosemary Neumann, Brothers Joe and Mike Neumann.
Survived by wife Rosalyn, siblings Sue Sixta (Dave), John (Corkie), Pat Tworek (Frank), Dick (Pat), Lori Akers (Gene), Jan Neumann (Paul Spagnolo), Kitty Rasmussen (Tom), Duke (Dawn), sister-in-laws, Peg and Margaret, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Tom grew up with his 10 siblings in the tight knit Hanscom Park neighborhood, making lifelong friendships along the way.
Tom met Roz through his colleague, Wade Lanum, at Platteview High School where Tom and Wade coached together. After Tom started buying plane tickets to see Roz in Alexandria, VA, it was apparent she was the one! Roz’s family quickly became Tom’s family and he never failed to have fun stories about his mother-in-law, Mary Frances and father-in-law, Lefty. They traveled often with Roz’s siblings Debbie, Tony, and their families.
Tom attended St. Adalbert School, Paul VI High School, and The University of Nebraska at Omaha (BS, MS). He received his certification in Assessment Leadership from The University of Nebraska at Lincoln and obtained his National Board Certification in Adolescent and Young Adult-Science/Physics.
At Paul VI, Tom excelled academically and played football, basketball, and baseball. At UNO, he played baseball. Like his father and brothers, Tom was an avid golfer with three holes in one. He participated in the Joe Theiler Golf League for his entire adult life. For 20 years, he was the driving force of the Red Neumann Cancer Society Golf Tournament, helping to raise awareness and thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society.
He loved his pets, especially the dogs. Most were named after scientists or athletes. Three of his dogs were named after the English mathematician Lady Augusta Ada Lovelace. Additional pets were a basset hound, Wade Boggs, and a turtle, named Rod Carew after the Twins Hall of Famer. Lady, a certified therapy dog, brought joy to Millard South’s special needs students in her classroom role.
As a teacher his whole life, Tom taught high school science at Omaha Cathedral, Platteview, Millard South, and Skutt Catholic High Schools. He coached girls’ basketball at Platteview and golf at Cathedral. He was a teacher and coach to his brother, Duke at Cathedral.
Tom lived every aspect of his life as an educator, passionate about science education and guiding young minds. Many years ago, he chose to participate in the Anatomical Board of Nebraska Gift Program. His body is being donated to the students at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for their research and education. When asked why he chose to do this, his answer was simply “Why wouldn’t I do that?” Even after dying, Tom continues his mission to teach.
25 Comments
So sorry for your loss of Tom. He was an inspiration to his students and colleagues alike.
Mr Neumann was such a positive influence in both our children’s lives while they were at Millard South. He was our son’s Physics teacher & our daughter’s home room teacher for 4 years. My husband & I also taught with him in Millard. He was a kind, gentle, sturdy presence & will be missed.
Tom was a wonderful person, colleague, teacher, and coach. His dedication to kids was nothing short of outstanding. Thoughts and prayers to all of his family members. He will be sorely missed.
Platteview Class of 1993 has many wonderful memories with Mr. Neumann as our teacher and coach, truly a great guy. Keeping his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Prayers for Tom & his beautiful family.
I really enjoyed spending time with a teammate on and field, great guy
Tom was my physics teacher in high school at Millard South (class of 2001). He also coached basketball to my freshman team. I was fortunate to play basketball after high school and also continue a career in engineering. I am fortunate to have had Tom at a young age teach me the excitement of science and physics. While in the classroom. Tom will be missed.
Tommy will be missed. Such a gentle soul. Tom was also a Bouncer for me at the nightclub in Smugglers Inn. Who would have thought. RPI Tommy.
Coach Neumann was one of the best. I have so many fond memories, I have been reflecting on the last few days. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom was a great teacher, coach friend. He was always pleasant and so giving of his time. He was always positive and his attitude about helping kids was amazing. He’s one of those guys who always made you feel better when you talked to him.
Tom was such a wonder person and gifted athlete.
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Neumann’s physics classes were a highlight of high school!
Platteview Class of 1989; he was a great mentor and teacher. He treated you fairly and just! Everyone, I think was his favorite though he didn’t show it. He made sure that we all kept living life moving forward and always seeing what was the future and finding that out for ourselves! I try everyday to live in the present and look forward much like Mr Neumann did!
I know there will be another Angel looking out for y’all! Many blessings for y’all! He was amazing!!
Mr. Neumann was an outstanding physics teacher. He taught a challenging subject by showing us how it was intuitive. I remember the joy he brought to the classroom.
Tom was a great man , husband , teacher and a lifelong friend too many of us.
Although my classroom was on the downstairs level and I taught social studies and English, Tom was a wonderful colleague who helped me immensely when in the late ’90s we switched from a paper grade book to an online program. One of my five courses was especially difficult to set up and Tom was the steady hand in helping me learn the software. He was always positive and optimistic and supportive of the Speech team I coached. So many students benefited from this wonderful educator. My condolences to his family.
Mr. Neumann was a wonderful teacher. I always enjoyed his Physics classes at Millard South. He was so inviting and kind to all his students. So sorry for your loss.
Tom was one of the best people walking God’s green earth. The world will miss Tom’s presence in it. May God comfort his family and his countless friends during this sad time.
Mr Neumann was my physics teacher at Millard South. I found the subject challenging but I could always tell that Mr. Neumann was cheering for me to be good at physics. That meant a lot at the time and encouraged me to pursue a career in the architecture field.
Just like my sister who commented too. I still remember mr. Neumann’s classes at Millard South. I never thought I’d enjoy physics but he made it fun.
I loved working with Tom at Millard South. My kids loved having him for a teacher. He was the best of us. I am very sorry for your loss. He was a great man. See ya in heaven Tom.
Tom was also a great story teller. Loved listening to his stories after a round of golf. He was the type of person that when he spoke people listened. He will be missed by many. RIP Tom
The Gorham family sends its condolences. Tommy was definitely one of the good guys, and he will be missed by many.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I taught with Tom at Millard South. He had such a zest for life and loved kids. He was always kind and welcoming to me – a newbie at MS. I pray you all feel God’s arms wrapped around you as you grieve.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Neumann family. Tom was a wonderful guy and he always looked for the opportunity to help others. Tom touched a lot of people in a positive way and he will be dearly missed. God Bless Tom!
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