Tom Sandler, age 79, of Castle Rock, Colorado, died on August 16, 2026, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his wife Alison, sons Justin and Shawn, and his sister- and brother- in-law, Claire and Patrick Young, when he passed.

Tom was born on December 16, 1946 along with his identical twin brother Todd, in Pleasantville, New York. Tom and Todd were the youngest of seven children. He was a first-generation American, born to Louis and Susan (Rosen) Sandler, who immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s.

Tom attended Ithaca College, where he majored in Accounting and graduated first in his class in 1968. The following year, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served until his honorable discharge in August 1970.

He then enrolled at the University of Binghamton, where he earned a master's degree in Accounting. It was there that he met the love of his life, Alison, in an economics class taught by his brother Todd. He offered her his textbook and tutored her through the course. Though he would never admit it, Tom was brilliant, but it was his work ethic that made him successful.

He began his accounting career with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., now KPMG, in White Plains, New York in 1972. His career took him to Phoenix, New York and ultimately Denver, where he became a partner in 1981. After leaving KPMG in 1995, he joined Samsonite Corporation as Chief Financial Officer and later served as President of the Americas from 1998 to 2004. His final corporate role was Chief Executive Officer of Case Logic in Longmont, Colorado, from 2004 to 2009. Following his corporate career, Tom served as a director on numerous boards, offering his financial expertise to companies in distress or non-profits in need of guidance. 

Anyone who knew Tom knew that his passion was golf. He began caddying and playing at age 11, and the game became part of his identity. An introvert by nature, he came alive on the golf course. He loved playing with friends and colleagues and made many new friends along the way. Tom had a remarkable memory for every golf course he played and could describe a hole years later and recall how well- or poorly-he had played it. It was on the golf course that he felt most at home.

When he wasn't playing golf, Tom was an avid reader. As soon as he finished one book, there was another at the ready. He loved American history and was an expert on American presidents, able to tell you when they served and what their legacy was. One of his favorite books was Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin about the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln. He also loved music - everything from Mozart to Dylan.

Tom was especially proud of his sons, Justin and Shawn. He enjoyed hiking with Justin and golfing with Shawn. He loved traveling with Alison, and together they shared many wonderful adventures. He enjoyed spending time with distant family members who loved him for his stories, quick wit and generosity.

Tom is survived by his wife, Alison; sons Justin and Shawn (Cathlin); his brother Todd (Jeannie) of Richardson, TX; and his brother Philip of Midlothian, Virginia. He is also survived by several sisters-and brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored.

Memorial services for Tom will be held on October 17, 2026 from 5 - 7 pm at Colorado Golf Club, 8000 Preservation Trail, Parker, Colorado.

 Those wishing to honor Tom's memory may make a donation to the Evans Scholars Foundation through the Colorado Golf Association.