David Michael Tom

David Michael Tom, age 48, left us far too early on January 21, 2021 after a hard fought battle with lymphoma. Born and raised in New Jersey, Dave earned his BA in Biology from Rutgers in 1994, and became a proud Buckeye in 1997 as he began his graduate studies in psychology at The Ohio State University.

 It was as a graduate student that Dave discovered his passion for teaching, and was recognized with the Graduate Associate Teaching Award, the highest honor given to graduate associates for teaching at OSU. David Tom earned his MA and Ph.D. in Psychology from OSU in 2000 and 2006, respectively. In 2003, Dave joined the faculty at Columbus State Community College, rising to the rank of Associate Professor in Psychology. He was instrumental to the College as Chairperson of the Institutional Review Board and Faculty Fellow for Accreditation. David also taught psychology at OSU and served on the Unauthorized Practice of Law Advisory Board to the Ohio Supreme Court, but still made time to bring together colleagues for happy hour. 

With his love of teaching and dedication to supporting student success, Dave (known to many as InstructorDaveT) was a popular professor, inspiring countless students with his engaging lectures that brought psychological concepts to life. Dave put his heart, time, and energy into his relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and particularly with his four children. As a Cubmaster he organized the Pinewood Derby and numerous camping trips with each of his sons. He also loved playing piano, especially when accompanying his daughter Addison.  

 Dave earned the loyalty and admiration of his friends with his warm and welcoming smile, genuineness, positivity, and quick wit. He had a gift of making people feel special, remembering details about their lives and asking meaningful questions. Dave loved photography, writing humor, biking, and cooking. A lifelong learner, Dave was curious about the world and was in his element exploring and sharing ideas and perspectives in writing and conversation.  

He is predeceased by his parents, Amy E. Tomm and Ying Ben Tomm, and beloved grandmother Siu Moy Eng. He is survived by his children Peyton Creeger, Carson Creeger Tom, Addison Creeger Tom and Colton Creeger Tom; their mother, Michelle Colucci; his sister and brother in law, Cindy Tomm and Tony Jao; his niece Isabelle Jao; extended family and many chosen family and friends.  

A virtual Celebration of Life for David will be held on Sunday, February 7, 2021. Please email rememberingdavidtom@gmail.com for more details. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to David's childrens' college fund at gf.me/u/zhd4uk. Condolences can be sent to Tidd Family Funeral Home: www.tiddfuneralservice.com.