Customers grieve death of Norfolk pharmacy worker

By Patrick Wilson The Virginian-Pilot July 13, 2012

NORFOLK

About half the customers at Atrium Pharmacy know Tom Florence is gone. The others find out in the store.

Florence, 48, worked at the pharmacy, next to Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, as a technician for 18 years. He died Saturday after he was hit by a van on his street, Cape View Avenue, in the Bayview neighborhood.

A garbage truck was idling in the road while Florence chatted with one of the trash collectors. He then stepped into the van's path, police said. The driver of the van, who was going around the garbage truck, didn't see him. Florence was thrown 37 feet, according to court records.

Florence was like a younger brother to Jay Levine, the manager of the pharmacy.

"He was unique," Levine said.

Florence liked to make an offer to nearly everyone, Levine said: "What can I do for you?"

He seemed to gain inner strength from helping others, never looking for personal benefit.

Angela Shalhoup, a longtime customer, said she loved Florence's funny, calm demeanor.

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Customers grieve death of Norfolk pharmacy worker