Thomas Charles Serynek

Thomas Charles Serynek, 80, of Gary, Indiana, son of Ted and Frances Serynek, died of natural causes at his home on March 31, 2026. Born December 21, 1945, Tom was a lifelong resident of Gary, Indiana, and a graduate of Lew Wallace High School. As a child, he loved hiking and camping in the Indiana Dunes and developed a lifelong commitment to sharing, protecting, and enjoying the natural areas of Northwest Indiana. Tom earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington and his master’s degree from Purdue University. He joined the Gary Community School Corporation in 1968 and taught fourth grade for most of his 45 years there. He was a proud member and activist in the Gary Teachers Union, serving as a building representative for Marquette and Noble Elementary Schools. During the summers, Tom worked as a landscaper and painter, perfecting the art of designing and installing decorative gardens, limestone walls and unique natural landscapes. From 1988 to 2003, Tom served as president of the Save the Dunes Council, where he lobbied, fundraised, and organized efforts to protect the dunes. He was an active member of many other community and environmental organizations over the years. Tom loved to travel and explore. He visited Africa, Europe, Japan, the Grand Canyon, and many other destinations. He also loved bringing people together and hosted countless family and neighborhood events at his home in Miller. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; his parents, Ted and Frances; and his sister, Charlene. He is survived by his sister, Thea (Jim); his children, Christine (Clayton), Sandy (John), and Alex (Anne); his nieces, Lauren (Nick), Lindsay (Rob), Kendra (Paul), nephews, Chris, Kevin (Marlene) as well as many cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and an amazing group of friends and grateful students. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on May 17th, 2026 from 2-4pm CT at the Marquette Park Aquatorium 6918 Oak Ave. Gary, Indiana 46403. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Shirley Heinze Land Trust a favorite organization of Tom’s that is dedicated to preserving, protecting and restoring natural areas in Northwest Indiana heinzetrust.org/donate/ Burns Funeral Home & Crematory entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Tom's online guestbook and obituary at www.BurnsFuneral.com

Thomas Charles Serynek

December 21, 1945 - March 31, 2026