Thomas Albert Ceglia passed away on Friday July 3rd 2026. He was a young 78 year old, born on May 16th 1948. Tom lived in both Durango Colorado where he has called home since the late ?O's and part time in Santa Maria California where he was born and grew up.

He was the son of Philip Joseph Ceglia ( A WWII Silver Star recipient) and Concetta Phyllis Megna Ceglia who precedes him in death. He is also preceded in death by his Granddaughter Kamryn Berridge.

Tom Served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He received an Honorable Discharge, Specialist Five in 1970. He served as a Structural Specialist and was awarded several medals including expert (Rifle). He arrived in Vietnam in 1968 during the TET offensive where his duty station was on a landing zone north of Qui Nhon and operated a bulldozer there. He is a member of the Vietnam Era Veterans Association (VEVA) where he had great companionship and commonality among them.

After his service, Tom went on to college and then became a land developer and heavy equipment operator. In the late 1970's he and his brother came to Colorado and purchased land on the Florida River to open a Ranch Style Bar-B-Q and music show called "The Cowboy". Many people in the Durango area recall those fun times and great food. He eventually turned that in to his home where he enjoyed many Summers with family and friends at the cabin. He had a gift for gathering friends and family both there and in California where he loved cooking for everyone. His warm heart and twinkling eyes and unforgettable big laugh drew friends together over the years.

Tom also spent many years as a hunting and fishing guide in Alaska. He and his partners worked hunting camps, bear camps in various areas and fishing camps on the Akwe River in southeast Alaska near Yakutat and had planned to return to work there in September.

Tom began climbing some of the big seven mountains at age 60. He climbed Denali, Aconcagua in Argentina, and Kilimanjaro in Africa. He loved to dive and went on several diving expeditions. And of course he enjoyed summiting Colorado mountains as well as hunting and fishing and camping in these mountains over the years. Motorcycling, hiking, camping and being in the outdoors was his life and what he loved.

His family meant everything to him. He was proud of his family and gave support and counsel and never wanted anything in return. His generosity was boundless.

Everyone who knew him respected him and admired him for so many reasons. He was a great friend to so many.

Tom is survived by his wife, Phyllis Dodson Ceglia, his brother Philip Ceglia (Leslie Woodworth)

Brother in Law Alan Dodson, Sister in Law Terry Bailey, his daughter Jennifer Berridge (Troy Flory), bonus sons, Michael Neely, Chad Neely (Lindsay Neely), David Hall (Leah Mumford) Grandchildren, Jackson Berridge, Dylan Berridge, Evan Berridge, Quinten Berridge, Saylor Pearl Neely, Dutch Rockmoore Neely, and Charlie Grace Neely. The parents of his grandchildren, Kurt Berridge, Michelle Neely and Morgan Neely. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces and nephews and relatives from coast to coast.

A service will be held at 10:00 AM on August 22nd at St. Columba Catholic Church, 1800 E. 2nd Ave. Durango. A pot luck will follow at the "cabin", He doesn't have to cook this time! For directions or questions contact Phyllis at 970-739-8803.

We are thankful to Hood Mortuary for the care of Tom.

In lieu of flowers please donate to one of his favorite organizations, Disabled Veterans (DAV), Wounded Warriors and a food charity of your choice. He believed no one should go hungry. With love, The family of Thomas Albert Ceglia.