Thomas Louis Mikes, 70, of Palm City, FL, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at his home. Born in Cleveland, OH, and raised in Pompano Beach, FL, he graduated valedictorian at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL, then studied space science and engineering at Catholic University in Washington, DC, getting his masters in applied physics. His early work included optical imagery and charting the Chesapeake for the Naval Research Laboratory and solar imaging for NASA's Skylab mission in Houston, TX.

Holder of numerous technology patents, Mr. Mikes gained an international reputation as an expert in optical engineering and pioneer in the development of holographic grating technology. He held the first patent on wavelength division multiplexing that expanded the capacity of data transmission through fiber optic cables. He founded American Holographic Inc. and served as its President and Chief Executive Officer, later selling the company to Agilent Technologies and continuing to advise Headwall Photonics of Fitchburg, MA, as a Director identifying emerging technology and investment opportunities in the field of optics and hyperspectral imaging.

Tom is the father of three daughters -- Christine (and Marc) Fain of Saunderstown, RI; Johanna (and Yonce) Shelton of Bethesda, MD; and Barbara (and Peter) Kim of London, UK -- and grandfather of Brandon, Shannon, Cameron, Mackensie, Caroline, and Colman. Son of the late Dr. Frank Mikes and Lottie Wiklinski, he is also survived by three brothers -- Robert (and Sheila) Mikes of Dania Beach, FL; Donald (and Patricia) Mikes of Scituate, MA; and Raymond (and Nanette) Mikes of Dunnellon, FL.

A lifelong lover of animals, Tom was never without his beloved dogs (Angus, George, Mittens) and many treasured Lusitano horses, often walking the farms, orchards, forests and mountain surrounding his rebuilt antique homes and barns in Ashby, MA. His philanthropic efforts focused on land conservation and education, funding a new wing of the Ashby Free Public Library and a computer lab at Trinity High School in Garfield Heights, OH. He was the lead donor for the successful campaign to ensure public access to the summit of Mount Watatic on the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border. With Tom as proud captain, his boat Miss T was the winner of various awards including best overall as a 5-year participant in the Winterfest Boat Parade.

A celebration of his life will be held on his birthday, January 26, at 4pm at Treasure Coast Seawinds in Stuart, FL, with a further celebration to be planned in Ashby, MA, this summer.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in his name to the Montachusett Opportunity Corporation (www.mocinc.org) or to the animal rescue organization of your choice