Thomas Anthony Pelich
Obituary
Thomas Anthony Pelich, 83, of Aptos, CA passed away on April 25, 2026, in Santa Cruz, CA. He lived his life filled with love for his family, his work, and the outdoors. He fought hard until the very end after suffering complications from a recent heart attack.
Tom was born on February 20, 1943, in Watsonville, CA to Helen and Mitchell Pelich. He was raised in Watsonville, where he attended T.S MacQuiddy Elementary School and E.A Hall Middle School. He graduated from Watsonville High School in 1961 and attended Cabrillo College. In his early years, Tom enjoyed playing football and working with his dad and uncle at Pelich Bros. Service Station.
Tom began his career of more than 40 years in the trades in 1962, at the age of 19. He was a journeyman sheet metal worker and a proud member of SMW Local #104. He dedicated many years to teaching sheet metal apprentices, sharing his knowledge and passion for the craft.
Tom had a deep love for the outdoors and spent much of his time camping, fishing, and hunting. He was a member of the PV Rod and Gun Club for many years. He enjoyed traveling, working on cars (especially his '68 Ford Bronco), woodworking, and tinkering in the garage - often helping his friends and family with various projects and repairs. A lifelong learner, Tom was always curious and eager to understand how things worked. When he wasn't busy "doing," he could be found watching football and cheering on the Raiders.
Above all, Tom was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who was deeply involved in his family's lives. He volunteered as an Assistant Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts, participating in many backpacking and camping trips over the years. He generously shared his woodworking and metalworking skills with schools and community organizations. In more recent years, he especially cherished his role as "Pa," taking every opportunity to attend his grandchildren's events and spend time with them.
Thomas is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Nancy Pelich; his son, David Pelich (Kathleen); his daughter, Debra Stephens (Christopher); his sister, Shirley Swindell (Omen); and his five grandchildren, Claire, Dayna, Charlotte, Colton, and Caden; as well as his many in-laws, nieces, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Victoria Pelich; and his sister, Janet Skillicorn. He will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11 am at Mehl's Colonial Chapel, 222 East Lake Avenue in Watsonville, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center, Alzheimer's Association, or Seacliff Resilience Fund.
Published in The Pajaronian · May 12, 2026