Thomas Scott Emert

Heaven rejoiced with the arrival of Thomas Scott Emert on May 11, 2026, after 84 wonderful years on earth. He passed away peacefully at his home in Escondido, CA, surrounded by the grieving but grateful hearts of his wife, daughter, and son.

Tommy was born on April 22, 1942, in Kansas City, MO, to 2nd Lt. Robert James Emert and Catherine Patricia "Pat" (Searcy) Emert. On April 30, 1945, he tragically lost his father in the Battle of Okinawa. Soon, his family was blessed when Earl Robert "Bob" Haas stepped in to love Pat and her three young children, Sandy, Judy, and Tommy. Prior to the family moving out to California, Tom had also blessed with a new brother, Bobby, and sister, Patti. Bob was honored to raise Robert Emert's children, beautifully blending the Emert and Haas families- welcoming Robert's brother, Louie Emert, and the rest of the extended Emert family as his own.

At 18 years old, Tom joined the Local230, where he went on to build pieces of San Diego history. His hands helped construct the San Diego Stadium, SeaWorld, the Chula Vista water decontamination plant, and the Carlsbad power plant. He spent his remaining years with Local 230 at the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant. There, he could often be found with his ankles shackled to a long line connected to a crane, lowered head-first into deep pipes to work. He also served there as a calibration specialist and OSHA inspector, famously joking that the only real hazard of working at the nuclear plant was that "children would be born naked." At age 43, Tom earned his General Contractors License and founded T.S.Emert Construction, from which he retired just ten years ago.

Thomas married his "agape love," Glenda Mary Golfinos, on January 29, 1966. For decades, they shared so much joy and fun that people often remarked it looked like they were just "playing house." Together, they hosted dune buggy parties, camping trips, beach bonfires, Del Mar Fair gatherings, and weekends at Butterfield Country. They were always first in line for epic movie premieres and trips to Disneyland, eagerly bringing along any and all who wanted to join the fun.

Everyone who crossed his path, including animals, knew Tom was truly a good man. His unwavering patience-except, perhaps, when he was behind a steering wheel-provided his family with life's greatest lessons. He taught the difference between right and wrong through unconditional guidance, boundless love, and a whole lot of humor.

Thomas Scott Emert is survived by the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Glenda Mary Emert; his daughter, Dawn Lynette Emert; his son, Robert Anthony Emert; his cherished grandchildren, Bryce ThomasScott Emert and Skylar Grace Emert; and a vast, loving network of extended family and friends.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held at the Emert family home, located at 2351 Vista Lago Terrace, Escondido, CA 92029. The date and time of the memorial will be announced by the family in the near future. Please contact Glenda at tsemert@msn.com

A Heartfelt Letter from Glenda to Tom

"Oh Tommy, my heart won't stop breaking. I miss you so much, but I am blessed to know you have your cherished memories back. You were not just my husband for over 60 years-you were my best friend, my strength, my protection, and my hero. All I have to say is, I never had a headache! We had so much fun, honey. God indeed blessed us.

I was just shy of my 18th birthday when I was out on a walk. When I turned the corner, there you were working on your Grand Prix. You were so handsome, so tan, and so fit with your beautiful baby blue eyes. Two months later, we were on our first date at Del Webb's on Mission Bay.

We were always side by side. You worked so hard in all that you did. At any time, on the spur of the moment, my honey would come home and say, 'let's sneak off for a couple of days.' In our years, there were so many of those days. You never missed taking off for my birthday, and you never missed taking off for our anniversaries. One anniversary 20 years ago, you came home with a rented motorhome, told me to pack up my stuff, and get our four- legged child Cody because we were headed to the Grand Canyon. And I just remembered it was only 13 years ago when we went back to the Grand Canyon with my Uncle Jack and Aunt Joan, from England.

My beloved husband, I am missing you so much. We will be together again. Thank you for watching out for me; I know you are around me all the time. I see the butterflies that fly to me, not even an arm's length away. I see you in my dreams, and in the hawk feathers that fly right to our bedroom door.

I love you so much, honey. I miss you.

Your honey, your wife, Glenda"