Thomas Frank Anderson of Storrs, Connecticut, passed away on July 19, 2026, at the age of 79.

Tom was born on September 12, 1946, in Eagle Grove, Iowa, to Duane and Vesta Anderson.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University in 1968, where he met the love of his life, Joan. They married in 1967 and shared 59 wonderful years together. Tom enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1969 to 1974 as a P-3 Orion patrol aircraft pilot and commander. He attained the rank of lieutenant before continuing his academic career, earning a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1978.

Tom joined the faculty of the University of Connecticut, where he served for more than 30 years as a professor of Chemical Engineering. During his distinguished career, he was Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Associate Dean of the School of Engineering, and later Professor Emeritus upon his retirement. He also served as a Visiting Professor at the Norwegian Technical University in Trondheim, Norway. Beyond academia, Tom's entrepreneurial spirit led him to found three companies: Engineering Micro Simulations Inc., Academic Keys LLC, and Academic Associates LLC.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Tom held a black belt in judo and found great joy in playing the harmonica. His lifelong curiosity inspired him to continually learn, explore, and embrace new experiences. A gifted problem-solver who could fix almost anything, he was always ready to tackle a do-it-yourself project. Above all, Tom will be remembered as a patient teacher, devoted husband and father, generous mentor, and someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He freely gave his time, knowledge, and energy to those around him.

Tom was preceded in death by his infant twin daughters, Holly and Emily. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; his children, Jay (Tammy), Lora, and Jill (Derek); his four cherished grandchildren; and his siblings, Kathleen, Randolph, Merlin, Joni, and Rusty.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 20 Meadowlark Road, Vernon, CT 06066.

Tom's legacy lives on through the many students he taught, the colleagues he inspired, the family he loved, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, wisdom, and quiet generosity.