Thomas H. Gifft

Thomas H. (Tom) Gifft of Lansing, NY, passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2026 after a very brief illness. He was 89 years old. Tom was born September 18, 1936 in Ames, Iowa, to Howard and Helen Gifft, and grew up in Ithaca, NY. After graduating from Cornell with a degree in Engineering Physics, he moved to Southern California where he contributed to the design of the inertial navigation system for the Minute Man missile while working for Autonetics, North American Aviation. Eventually he began his own business, T. H. Gifft Co., Inc., designing and manufacturing the Gifft Depth Recorder for oceanic exploration, and atmospheric equipment used by the National Weather Service, US Navy, and other government agencies. After marrying and having children, he returned to Upstate New York to raise his children in Lansing.

Tom is survived by his wife of 41 years, Nancy; his son Andrew and daughter Kristina (Brandon Jenson); granddaughter Ryelin Jenson and grandson Rory Jenson.

He is predeceased by his parents and his sister, Sally.

In keeping with Tom’s wishes, burial will be private.