Tom Louderback

1933 - 2020

Tom Louderback

Reno - Tom Louderback, born on March 5th 1933 in Petaluma,California was the first of three children of Ignacia and Tom Louderback Sr. After Tom completed his education at St. Vincent's Parochial High and Petaluma High he matriculated to Santa Rosa Junior College for two years. He moved to San Jose State for his junior and senior years of college with the offer of a football scholarship.

After graduating, Tom was drafted by the Washington Redskins ( $5000.00/year) where he played until his football career was interrupted by the call to duty. He served in the Navy from 1956-1957. Following his tour of duty he was picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles and played with the team for two years. From 1960-1962 Tom was part of the original and founding team of the Oakland Raiders ( black, gold and white) which was a member of the newly formed AFL.

After retirement from his football career, Tom entered into the beverage business. In 1969 he started his own company, Bay Area Beverage, as a Coors distributor in Oakland, California. By the time Tom's business reached its zenith, it represented over two hundred beverage products that supplied the North and East Bay Area. He served as president of the California Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association and was former director of the National Beer Wholesalers Association. Tom was also a co- founder and director of Summit Bank.

Tom retired in Reno, Nevada where he tested his mettle in real estate investment. Among his greatest joys were spending time with family and friends and well as deepening his faith at the Carmelites Monastery of Reno.

In his life Tom was a man of the world travelling and enjoying hunting. He was a champion marksman and a philanthropist who took great care to serve as a mentor for all that crossed his path.

Tom is survived by wife, Sonja, his three children, Lynn, Jodi and Tom, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren, his sister, Virginia Ghianni, his brother, Jerold Louderback as well as many nieces and nephews.

A mass and celebration of life will take place when health and safety conditions allow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to : Carmelite Monastery of Reno, 1950 La Fond, Reno 89509.