Thomas J. Stemmy's Obituary
Thomas Joseph “Tom” Stemmy, of Annapolis, Maryland, beloved husband of Linda (Cook) Stemmy for 63 years, passed away peacefully at home on March 16, 2026, at the age of 87.
Tom was born on July 29, 1938, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, to the late Thomas Walter Stemmy, a coal miner, and Regina (Shemansky) Stemmy, who worked in a local factory. He grew up in the tight-knit coal region community of Shenandoah alongside his three younger siblings: Jeanne (Stemmy) Black, Maryann (Stemmy) Buttacavoli, and Joseph “Joe” Stemmy. He graduated from J.W. Cooper High School in Shenandoah.
Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Villanova University and a master’s degree in management science from the National Graduate University in Washington, D.C. He began his career as an agent with the Internal Revenue Service, where he worked for three years and met his beloved wife, Linda. They married in 1962 and, in 1968, welcomed their only daughter, Lynn, who brought them endless pride and joy.
Following his time at the IRS, he fulfilled his military obligation, serving eight years in the United States Army Reserve. During this time, Tom founded his accounting and tax practice, T.J. Stemmy & Co., in College Park, Maryland. Over the years, the firm grew and evolved, serving many long-time, devoted clients as it relocated first to Greenbelt and later to Annapolis, where it was known as Stemmy, Tidler & Morris, P.A.
In addition to his professional practice, Tom served as a faculty member at the University of Maryland and was active in numerous professional, civic, and political organizations, holding leadership and board positions.
A prolific writer, Tom published numerous articles in professional publications and wrote a regular tax advice column for The Capital newspaper. He was also the author of two books and was honored with the National Society of Professional Accountants’ Golden Quill Award in 1992.
Outside of his professional life, Tom had a deep love for music. He enjoyed playing his baby grand piano and also played the trumpet—sometimes at the same time—as well as the accordion, and even did some singing, often delighting friends and family as the life of the party.
Another lifelong passion was fitness, particularly biking. Tom and Linda shared many adventures on cycling trips with their close group of friends, traveling to destinations across the United States and Europe.
Tom will be remembered for his energy, intellect, creativity, curiosity, and enthusiasm for life. Known for his quick wit and warm personality, he delighted in giving friends and family their own special nicknames and could strike up a conversation with anyone. His music, humor, and generous spirit brought joy to countless friends and family throughout his life.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; their daughter, Lynn, and her husband, Wayne Davis; his cherished grandchildren, Miranda and Bryce; his siblings, Jeanne, Maryann, and Joe; as well as one niece and five nephews.
A celebration of life will be held as an open house between 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Lasting Tributes, 814 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, Maryland. Family and friends are invited to stop in anytime during that time to share lunch, laughter, and stories.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s honor to the Angels of Mercy Medical Clinic, 7151 Richmond Rd, Suite 303, Williamsburg, VA 23188 (https://angelsofmercyfreeclinic.org).
Thomas' Celebration of Life Reception will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Lasting Tributes from 12-3 pm. Interment is private.
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