It always pains me to add anyone to the Memorial page here on the site. But Tom’s passing hit me especially hard.
I barely knew Tom in High School, but we became close friends after the 20th Reunion. I got to see what an amazing guy he was. I don’t use that word lightly. I saw him help so many people – a lot of our classmates as well as others – without expecting anything in return. When I went out on my own and started my graphics and web business – he did everything he could to give me his business, and refer me to many others – at a time when I was fearful if I could make it or not.
I got to see him start his Children’s Charity with 100% of the proceeds going to sick and needy kids. He dug into his own pocket when necessary. And I had the privilege to be invited to help him bring dinner and Christmas presents to kids at Ronald McDonald house more than once (thanks Sal Palilla for donating your delicious Santoros Sandwiches for those endeavors!).
Tom was also a driving force behind out last 3 Reunions. Again – with no expectation of thanks or reward. Not sure they’d have happened without him. They certainly wouldn’t have been as good.
Plus Tom was just a nice guy. He made me laugh, and we had a good time together. I wasn’t his closest friend – but he made me feel like I was when I was around him. He use to tell me “I love you brother” which made me really uncomfortable at first, me being a bit of a muscle-brain. But my last words to him at Cedars a few weeks ago were “I love you too brother”. Tom will be sorely missed by his loving wife Shari (married in 1982!), and his wonderful kids TJ, Ashley and Chad – as well as many others. Rest in Peace our 1980 friend!
Everything below is all over – but I left it here for posterity. Or until I think of something else to post.
I guess the next one’ll be in 2030 I guess? Holy cow…
40th Class Reunion
Saturday, September 10, 2022
7pm – 12pm
Sold out (Sort of. See below)
DeBell Hilltop Restaurant and Bar
(At the DeBell Golf Course)
1500 E Walnut Ave, Burbank, CA 91501
(You will want to avoid Walnut, and come up Harvard as the starlight Bowl is having a show that night. Click here for map)
Tickets:
Alumni: $110 / Plus Ones: $90
Cocktail Attire
We’ve reached our deadline for payments folks. The venue won’t allow us to add any more to our headcount.
But…
…email us here to get on our waiting list if there are cancellations or other openings that become available! We do have some folks that are facing scheduling conflicts – so you never know!
Just Added!
Sunday Reunion Picnic
Sunday, Sept. 11
1pm – 3pm
Verdugo Park (Clark Ave. / Calif St.)
Bring the whole family!
BYO
(We spent all the money on Saturday Night’s event)
