The owner of Ocean State Body Builders, Thomas "Tommy" Kloza, suddenly died in the parking lot of his gym Thanksgiving morning. His cause of death is unknown.
Members said Ocean State Body Builders is the longest active gym in Rhode Island.
"There's no other gym in this state that’s been around for 41 years. He's outlasted franchise gyms like Gold's Powerhouse and World," said Ted Isabella, who has been going to this gym for over 35 years.
Gymgoers remember the 65-year-old gym owner as a man with a heart of gold. They said it wasn't unusual for Kloza to be at the gym on holidays, early mornings or late nights.
"It's not a business, this is a gym family." said Isabella. "We all do for each other, we all take care of each other, we all protect each other, we've all helped each other, competing and what not. And it's all because of Tommy. Tommy gave us that family, Tommy gave us that environment."
Members, alongside Tommy's brother, are determined to keep the doors open and the lights on at Ocean State Body Builders.
"Tommy's little army like myself and all the guys here that love him and wish he was still here with us is going to keep this gym running," said Isabella.
They're collecting donations to help pay for Tommy's funeral expenses and to keep the gym open.
The best way to donate is to stop by the gym on Morgan Mill Road in Johnston.
Ocean State Body Builders will hold a celebration of life for Kloza on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at the gym.