Thomas P. Cerneka, 72, died August 15, with his family by his side in St. Louis.
He was born in 1939 to Peter and Mary (nee Benedict). He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jim Cerneka, sister, Mary Ann Davis, and grandson, Charles Burns.
He is survived by his wife, Janet (nee Yaeger), brothers Pete (Louise) and Denny (Jean), sister, Kathy, children, Lisa M.D. (Tim) Burns, Kent (Jennifer), and Heidi, and granddaughters, Casey and Sarah Burns.
He graduated from Cathedral High School in Belleville, Il., and St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, where he met his wife. They celebrated their 50th anniversary last year.
He retired in 1999 from a long successful career as an actuary, and pursued his golf game by living part-time in Tonto Verde, AZ. He loved sailing at Innsbrook. He enjoyed international travel, and Cardinals’ baseball. Tom sang in the church choir in Rio Verde, AZ. He was affectionately called Beepa by his granddaughters.
He was a Knight in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. As a community volunteer, he was the former Chairman of the Board at Near Southside Employment Coalition. He was also Chairman of the Board at Provident Counseling.
A memorial mass will be held on August 18 at 4 p.m. at Ascension Catholic Church, 230 Santa Maria Drive, Chesterfield. From 5 to 8 p.m., a reception will be held in the parish hall to celebrate Tom’s life and to visit with family and friends. His body has been donated to science.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to Maryknoll Lay Missioners (http://maryknolllaymissioners.org/) (f/b/o Heidi Cerneka’s missionary work), or the charity of your choice.