Tom was born in Columbus, Ohio, and was adopted by Pete and Laura Clapper as a newborn. He was raised in Mansfield, Ohio, where he spent his youth working at the family service station.

It was there that he discovered his love of motorsports. He could talk endlessly about the cars he owned and raced as a teen, the Allison Legacy series he raced in as an adult, or whatever NASCAR race may be happening over the weekend.

He also cherished his time riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles. He took great pride serving as a Road Captain of the local HOG chapter in Orange County, California, where he lived most of his adult life. The friendships he made there were strong and everlasting.

To pay for his adventures, he worked tirelessly in sales. Starting out in the bottling and packaging industry, he transitioned to blown film and extruded plastics machinery early in his career. He was loved and respected by his coworkers and clients, alike.

But Tom will be most remembered as the head of the family that loved him dearly. He married the love of his life in 1976 and immediately assumed the role of father to two young boys. In addition to being a wonderful husband, he was a coach, scoutmaster, teacher, mentor, and the biggest fan to his sons who loved him very much. Later, he became the World’s Best Grandpa/Papa to his three grandchildren who he loved watching grow into amazing people.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Clapper, who stood faithful by his side for almost 50 years. His sons Tony (Robin) Delnoce and Todd (Staci) Delnoce, will carry forward his legacy and his corny jokes. And his grandchildren Maggie, Abby, and Tico, who he loved so much and who loved him will miss him dearly.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd (Pete) Clapper and his mother Pauline Clapper.