Thomas William Stoll, 83, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Mary, at his side on May 2, 2025. He was born on Father's Day, June 15, 1941, to William and Marguerite Kuehl Stoll.
Tom grew up in Fountain City, Wisconsin, where he was an outstanding natural athlete. He was graduated from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, and continued his advanced education at the University of Iowa. In addition to being a graduate assistant in riflery, archery, and swimming, he published instructional materials on these sports.
Tom and Mary moved to Dallas, Texas, where, for several years, Tom was Assistant Athletic Director at St. Mark's School of Texas, a boys' prep school. In 1970, Tom, Mary, and their daughter Mandy moved to Bradenton, where Tom was given the opportunity to develop his own Athletic Program at St. Stephen's Episcopal School. He was proud that in less than three months, he was able to field a football team with a full schedule. He fondly recalled that each game that year his team came in second, but the following year his team was undefeated and unscored upon. With his students, Tom always considered them his "kids."
Lately, these 40-, 50-, and 60-year-old "kids" have been reconnecting. With a twinkle in their eye or with mischievous grins, the man they had respectfully called "Coach Stoll" became Tom-and he loved it.
Professionally, Tom was named Florida's Athletic Director of the Year (1985–86), and later, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the Florida Athletic Administrator's Hall of Fame. He was also one of the founding fathers of the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Administrator's Association (FIAAA).
Upon retirement, Tom continued to pursue his love of sports and divided his time between Bradenton and Hiawassee, Georgia-near where he had introduced his "kids" to hiking on the Appalachian Trail. He was also instrumental in helping design and develop Stetson University's Mandy Stoll Tennis Center.
Tom will be remembered as a kind and caring man with a huge sense of humor and unmatched quick wit. But most importantly, he will be remembered as a devoted family man.
Tom is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 60 years, Mary; his sister, Susan Klein of Battle Creek, Michigan; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He also felt blessed to have so many close friends who were like family. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Marguerite Stoll; his sister, Nancy Riley; and his beloved daughter, Mandy, whom he is gratefully and happily able to hug once again.
In lieu of flowers, if one so wishes, a donation may be made in Tom's memory to the Mandy Stoll Student Athlete of the Year Award at St. Stephen's Episcopal School (Bradenton, FL); the Mandy Stoll Endowment Scholarship Fund at Stetson University (DeLand, FL); the FIAAA Mandy Stoll Scholar Athlete Award; or to a charity of your choice.
In accordance with Tom's wishes, there will be no formal memorial service, but a private family gathering will be held at a later date.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
