Hi, my name is Dawn and it was my pleasure to have known Tom for 34 years. It was with great sadness that I heard about his death of cardiovascular disease at age 63 and decided to help with his arrangements and needed fundraising. That is why I'm asking for your help.

He was a 28 year old energetic actor in Gene Frankel's acting class when we met. He then joined Gene's writing class followed by Laurence Holder's class at the Henry Street Settlement House. He brought actors and playwrights together informally so that the writers could hear their words and the actors could practice their cold reading skills. They would get together initially in parks, transferred to the Neighborhood Playhouse, then to the Times Square building. Hence, the Times Square Playwrights group was born over 25 years ago. It continued in Nola Studios and a few other venues recently. Many talented people have participated and learned from Tom and each other. TSP participants have changed over time but it always had the same core group.

Tom's talent as an artist was impressive. He was an actor, director, writer (plays, screenplays and novels) and dramaturg. He wrote many screenplays and most recently was working on a novel about political issues in South America.  He always did a lot of research while he was writing - which he thoroughly enjoyed. He tutored other writers for free or for just a free lunch. He took great interest in other people's work and I was amazed at his ability to remember everyone's play and characters in it so that he could cast the readings each week.

His survival jobs  allowed him to follow his artistic pursuits from his 20's into his 60's - although barely sustaining him.  Unfortunately, as beloved as he was by the people who knew him, he died with no savings and some debt. Since his death, I have heard from many actors and writers about how helpful and encouraging he was to them and what intelligent comments and suggestions he made. I was one of those writers in TSP who depended upon Tom for his input, encouragement and opportunities. He was also the person who encouraged me to go on my first audition as an actor.

But most importantly, he was a special friend. I will miss our lunches when we discussed the arts, our dreams, and our lives including mutual friends, families, health and jobs. As others have said, he was an "intelligent, talented, generous and sweet man". He deserves to be in our memories. I'm hoping that you will contribute to his funeral and memorial expenses. I'm also hoping that we can pay off his debt of around $10,000.  He's survived by his mother who is in her 80s and his younger brother. Neither of them can help monetarily but I hope you can,  and will. Whatever you can give, no matter how small, will be most appreciated. He contributed so much to the arts and other people, he deserves your love and appreciation. Thank you so very much.