Thomas Robert Hand went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 15, 2024 at the age of 59 after a long and brave battle with lung cancer. His unwavering faith carried him through his biggest challenge and he knew he would find peace and joy with the Lord. He also found great comfort in the love of his wife, Francine, and his son, Jacob.  Tom was born on July 9, 1965, in Modesto, California to parents Bob and Carol Hand.

   Raised in Ripon, Tom graduated from Ripon High in 1983. He attended Central University of Pella, Iowa (member of the freshman football team) and later transferred to Fresno State where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1989.  Tom was a longtime member of the First Christian Reformed Church of Ripon, where he served as an usher and deacon. While a member of short-term missions, he traveled to Honduras and The Netherlands with First Baptist Church in Manteca. These trips allowed him to use his gifts of faith and therapy.  Always the athlete, Tom enjoyed playing on a YMCA volleyball team, biking marathons, and playing golf. He also enjoyed traveling with friends and taking travel jobs to San Diego, Florida, Boston, and Hawaii. In between travel jobs, Tom worked at English Oaks as Rehab Director, Modesto Rehabilitation Hospital, and settling at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto as Therapy Director.  More recently, Tom enjoyed coffee time and visits with family and friends, watching his son play outside with friends, and neighborhood chats on how his Raiders football team was doing for the season. He will be forever loved for his compassion, humor, and

willingness to help others.

   Tom leaves behind his wife of 21 years, Francine, and their son Jacob Hand of Ripon, California; his sisters Mary Broggi-Hall (Rob) and Susan Hand; nephews Tyler Broggi, Jared Broggi, and great-nephew Mason Broggi; and many cousins in the Central Valley.

   He was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Carol Hand. Tom’s family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff at By the Bay Health Hospice for their compassion and loving care that Tom received in his final hours at UCSF.

   Graveside service will be held at the Ripon Cemetery on August 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00  a.m. on August 30, 2024, at First Christian Reformed Church Ripon.  Remembrances can be made to: Deacon’s Fund at First Christian Reformed Church, 305 Boesch Dr, Ripon, CA 95366.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Tuesday, August, 27, 2024