David "Tom" Shefrin

David “Tom” Shefrin died at Centennial Hospital in Nashville 7/9/2024.

Tom is now at rest with the love of his life, Diana Page, at Harpeth Hills Cemetery.

The son of Jean and Joe Shefrin, Tom was born 8/11/1944.

Tom grew up “Tommy” in Verona, NJ and was nostalgic about his hometown throughout his nearly 80 years. He was a fan of the tv show, The Sopranos, actively spotting scenes from his hometown while he watched. It was in Verona where Tommy made lifelong friends & developed his love of baseball, pool, bowling, and tennis. After graduating Verona High School in 1962 he embarked on his travels through higher education. 

He graduated from Rutgers University with a BA degree and had many adventures there associated with his ZBT fraternity. Following Rutgers, Tom attended the 1st of 2 schools where he pursued & achieved MA degrees: Seton Hall University and the University of Southern California.

His last stop on his higher education journey was the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where Tom received his PHD in Clinical Psychology. Following this achievement and several years teaching at Knoxville College, Tom moved permanently to Nashville and had a long career working in state prisons for the criminally insane. Tom “loved those guys” and devoted himself to bettering their lives. Perhaps from his own early reading struggles he gained a high level of empathy for those with various struggles of their own.

In his personal life, he found living in his Bellevue neighborhood with great neighbors and his life partner, Diana, just how he wanted to live in his retirement. Along with his love of cats and then Buddy, the dog, he enjoyed trips to the gym & pool hall. His baseball collection & various baseball paraphernalia threatened to over take his house. He also had a large CD collection reflecting his love & interest in music and books of various topics everywhere in his home. He was active in Congregation Micah serving on their Board of Trustees.

Tom leaves behind a sister, Carol; niece, Jessica (Eric) and two adored great nieces, Eleanor & Maxine, all of Apex, NC. In addition, Tom leaves a devoted group of caring friends in Nashville who loved & supported him. And, very importantly to Tom, he leaves his loyal, loving dog, Buddy.

Tom didn’t like being called David or Dr. Shefrin but calling him brother, uncle, and friend was how he saw himself & how he’ll be remembered .