Thomas Medina

Thomas Medina was found deceased by the Marion County Sheriff's Department, in his home (Ocala, Fl), the morning of Wednesday, July 2, 2025 after a welfare check was expedited. Thomas Medina was born Tómas Medina Colon on September 23, 1951 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico to Tómas Medina Castro (d. 1973) and Gladys Lydia Medina Colon (d. 2004). He was raised in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico, along side his younger sister Nilda Medina Ruiz (d. 2010) until circa 1960. He, his mother, and sister settled in El Barrio, a Spanish Harlem Neighborhood in New York City. Circa 1967, they also lived in another Italian and Puerto Rican community in Alphabet City in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Coming from humble beginnings, he trained in automotives and was a racing enthusiast during his adolescence...and well into adulthood. He was one of the reigning champions of the game, "I win". Circa 1971, he served in the U.S. Army as Motor Transportation Operator (where his name was changed to Thomas Medina). He spent a great deal of his enlistment in Alaska and about 18 months in Vietnam. He earned a National Defense Service Medal while enlisted. Upon returning home with an honorable discharge circa 1977, he was employed with Con Edison and then accepted an employment offer as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service, where he retired from about 37 years later. Thomas Medina was a man of many hobbies and talents. Throughout various seasons of his life, he was also a professional photographer, fire arms enthusiast, fisherman, hunter, painter, Licensed General Contractor in New York, Certified Scuba Diver, and a motorcyclist who became a Harley Davidson loyalist. He lived a very full 73 years, and spared no expense doing so. Sometimes he was a blessing. Sometimes he was a lesson. Sometimes he was both. Nonetheless, he will be remembered by those who crossed his path on their journeys. He is survived by his daughter, Lisandra Medina and her children: Silas Waller, Janelle Zoey Cruz-Anthony, and Jolie Isabelle Cruz; his niece Evelyn Ruiz and her daughter Sabrina Baez; his final life partner June Nixon and their granddaughter Harlie LaShea Fiese; his former domestic partner, Frances Osorio; his former common law spouse, Rebecca Santiago Díaz, predeceased him in 2019. He is also survived by other relatives, chosen family, and a few true friends.

Thomas Medina

September 23, 1951 - July 2, 2025