Thomas L. Kobylarz, 71, of Inverness, FL and Burlington, CT died peacefully on November 14, 2016 at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness, FL. Thomas was born on April 7, 1945 in Bristol, CT, the son of Joseph and Anna Kobylarz. He was a US Air Force Veteran serving stateside during the Vietnam War. He was service manager for Spencer Turbine Company in CT and most recently worked at G4S Cypress Creek Youth Services. Tom was a member of the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department and was active in the CT Parade Marshal's Association. Owner/driver of Hoop's Dream, he was an avid competitor in sand drag racing. He was a great fan of the Tampa Bay Rays and the NY Giants.Thomas was preceded in death by his father Joseph Kobylarz. Survivors include his wife of 47 years Linda Kobylarz of Burlington, CT; mother Anna Kobylarz of Inverness, FL; brother Robert Kobylarz and his wife Jane of Springfield, IL; sister Patricia Kinel and her husband John of Ocala, FL; brother-in-law David King of Alexandria, VA; aunt Lee Chumra of Inverness, FL; uncle Theodore Plawecki and wife Joan of Burlington, CT; aunt Pauline Surveski of Southington, CT; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.Mr. Kobylarz's family will receive friends from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the Heinz Funeral Home & Cremation, Inverness, FL.A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 am on Friday, November 18, 2016 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Inverness, FL. Interment will follow at Fero Memorial Gardens in Beverly Hills, FL.The family expresses deep gratitude for the kind and skilled care provided by the nurses at Citrus Memorial Hospital (NU 4th floor). In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Special Olympics.Heinz Funeral Home & Cremation, Inverness, FL heinzfh.com.