Thomas Stokes
1949-2025
Sr. Recreation Director
Rec and Parks
It is with great sadness that we announce that one of Recreation and Parks’ exemplary Sr. Recreation Directors, Thomas Stokes, died March 4. He was 79 and Retired.
Tommy Stokes was an amazing recreation professional who cared greatly for every community in which he worked.
Born in New York, Tommy’s recreation career began as a Recreation Assistant in May 1972 through January, 1974 when he worked in the West Region as Messenger: He brought documents to regional headquarters for all of the Recreation Directors and Recreation Leaders.
From January 1974 to January 1978 Tommy served as a Recreation Leader assigned to South Park Recreation Center.
Tommy was promoted to Recreation Facility Director at Van Ness Recreation Center from January 1978 until February 1979. Tommy then took his talents to Oakwood Recreation Center in Venice, where he became a well-loved and well-respected recreation professional embracing the needs of all community members.
In February 1999, Tommy returned to Van Ness Recreation Center as he was promoted to Sr. Recreation Director, a position he held until he Retired in February 2010.
Tommy was a positive influence on everyone he encountered. He was respected as a coach, father figure and confidant.
Everyone at the Oakwood and Van Ness Recreation Centers will have a story about how positively Tommy Stokes affected them and made their lives better.
He leaves a legacy with his wife Betty, sons Kevin and Kasey, and a host of relatives and friends. He will always be one of the best recreation professionals of the City of LA Recreation and Parks Department. He will be greatly missed.
Retrospective by Carolyn Anderson, Principal Recreation Supervisor II, Childcare Program, Recreation and Parks, Club Member.
– Tributes to Tommy –
During the years that I worked for Recreation and Parks in the Pacific Region, Tommy Stokes was universally recognized and respected as someone who set an outstanding example as a Sr. Facility Director. The work he put into his programs was so thorough; he truly helped set the gold standard wherever he worked. In addition to his great programs, he also was someone who would make time to help other people, no matter how busy his day happened to be. Tommy may be gone too soon, but the legacy he left will be around for a long time to come.
– Andy Felz, Management Assistant, Dept. of Aging
From the time I had the pleasure of meeting Tommy in the early 1990s and up to today, I can’t recall any colleague who cared more for the communities that he served than Tommy did. The youths of those communities were blessed to have Tommy as their Recreation Director!
I regret never telling my good friend that he not only was an outstanding Recreation Director but an even greater human being. I miss running into him at the basketball gym.
Thank you, Tommy!
– Javier Soto, Recreation Supervisor
I met Tommy at Cal State Los Angeles when I was with [Tommy’s wife] Betty, and I just knew that Tommy was going to be a lifetime friend. He was always a quiet kind of friend. Tommy would always say, “Hi, Donna” with a smile. I will always remember the good times we all had from college years to adulthood.
We will miss you, Tommy.
– Donna Lecesne, lifelong friend
I have been blessed to call Tommy Stokes my mentor, but most importantly my dear friend. Tommy set the recreational standard and made a difference. I admired his desire to make his parks, programs and community better for the children he served.
And he was such a family man. Betty, Kevin and Kasey, thanks for sharing this loving husband, father and friend with us.
Tommy will truly be missed, but will live in our hearts forever!
– La Verne Kimble, Retired, Facility Director, Rec and Parks
My heart is filled with memories, my eyes are full of tears. My life is filled with missing you, each day throughout the years. I pray you found the peace in that you may not have found on earth. I hope we were the people you were proud of. Love, Nicole.
— Nicole Griffin, Sr. Recreation Director, Rec and Parks
May he rest in peace.
