Marine Corps League
Longview Detachment 959
1512 Alpine Rd, Longview, TX 75601

Dr. Tiefenwerth passed away on January 13, 2022 at his home in Longview, Texas. He was born on May 30, 1954 in Rockville Centre, New York. His parents were the late Eugene and Rosemary Tiefenwerth. In addition, he was preceded in death by his beloved Uncle Joe Kusk. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Jana Tiefenwerth; his children, Brent and Krysti Johnson, Evan Walgama, Jonathan and Alison Walgama, and Leigh and Mason Vincent; his grandchildren, Will, Kate, Seth, and Gwen Walgama and Korie Johnson; mother and father-in-law Janet and Robert Williams, brother-in-law Kim and Jackie Traylor and sisters-in-law Melanie Wood and Gina and Vernon Hughes. He is also survived by his family from New York, aunt Loretta Kusk and aunt and godmother Peggy Virgadamo, brothers Dennis and Nancy Tiefenwerth, Danny and Elizabeth Tiefenwerth, sisters Susan Fariole, Jeannie and Tony Geraghty, and several nephews and nieces. Dr. Tiefenwerth proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He received his Bachelor’s degree from New York Institute of Technology, followed by three Masters degrees including a masters from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and also a Ph.D. from the University of Southern Mississippi. He had a long distinguished career in Criminal Justice, both as a Clinical Psychologist and College Professor at many universities. Tom was known as “Pop” to his grandkids whom he loved to shower with food and gifts. They loved sitting in his lap, doing magic tricks, and watching movies with him. He enjoyed movies of all types and was very knowledgeable about them. He was well loved by all of his students and his classes were a popular choice. Over the years, he had many dogs he considered family, most recently, Maggie and Dolly. His family heard his many stories and one-liners he loved to tell, sometimes over and over, but always with good laughs from all who heard. “Why use a new one when an old one works?” was his usual response to repeated lines. Many times he was heard saying, “You have earned yourself a blessing.” Tom had a personality that allowed him to “go with the flow” with his family’s wishes and he never met a stranger. He moved several times without hesitation to be close to his grandchildren. He provided unmatched support to his children whenever they needed him.