Thomas E. Carski, 82, Homebuilder, Co-Founder of Special Olympics Maryland.

On March 26, 2025, Thomas E. Carski passed away peacefully at home after a multi-year battle with cancer.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Tom attended Towson Catholic High School before graduating from the University of Maryland.

One of Tom's proudest accomplishments was co-founding Special Olympics Maryland in 1970. He led the organization in its early days and remained actively involved for nearly 20 years.

Tom was also a dedicated member of the Baltimore Jaycees and served as president of Santa Claus Anonymous in 1971. Later in life, he was a member of the Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission and served on the Board of Trustees of The Bryn Mawr School.

Tom's professional career began as a stockbroker at Kidder, Peabody & Co., but he always dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur. In 1977, he pivoted to homebuilding and land development. He founded his own company, Shelter Builders Communities, Inc, and spent the next 47 years building homes for hundreds of Baltimore families. He never truly retired.

Tom was an outstanding husband and father, a trusted confidant, financial advisor, and friend. An avid Orioles fan, he held season tickets at both Memorial Stadium and Camden Yards, always holding out hope for a World Series win. He also found joy in his garden, cultivating beautiful crops of zinnias and pansies.

In the last years of his life, Tom displayed tremendous strength and courage in his battle against cancer, enduring numerous treatments while never losing his faith. That strength was, in part, fueled by a special bond with his granddaughter Nellie.

Tom is survived by his wife of 51 years, Deborah Carski; his son, Kevin Carski, and his partner, Ryan Bailey; his daughter, Kathryn Carski, and her husband, Christopher Fezza; and his granddaughter, Penelope 'Nellie' Fezza.

A Memorial Mass will be held at the Church of the Nativity in Timonium on May 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Special Olympics Maryland in his honor.