Tom Reno

Tom Reno passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. An ASU graduate, ('62) Tom served with the Peace Corps and taught English in Iran; an experience that broadened his worldview and fostered cultural understanding and compassion. When Tom returned home he worked on the Navajo Reservation helping to facilitate the transition of school leadership from the BIA to the Rough Rock Demonstration School run by the Navajo Tribe. Tom went on to earn his doctorate at Michigan State which led to a career spanning 58 years; dedicated to improving teaching and learning. Dr. Reno worked as a superintendent in Apache Junction and Yuma. He and his wife Vicki had three children together, Lucy, Fran, and Matt, who all followed their parents in the field of education. Tom and Vicki eventually divorced. He was lucky to find yet another wonderful woman, Jackie, who he married. She and her young son Michael joined Tom in Tempe and his family grew. Tom and Jackie built a wonderful life together, celebrating nearly 50 years of marriage. Dr. Reno became an associate superintendent at the State Department of Education and years later, he joined the faculty at NAU as a professor, then as the Executive Director of NAU-Mojave. Tom continued working with graduate students online as an NAU Professor Emeritus. An avid hiker, Tom conquered both the Havasupai Trail and the Grand Canyon "Rim to Rim". He never missed the annual Turkey Trot in Havasu. He was a big fan of ASU football; go Sun Devils! Tom was also a spiritual person, he and Jackie faithfully attended Mass together throughout his life. Tom is survived by his beautiful wife, Jackie, his four children and six grand-children. Services will be private. In memory of Tom, please participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer's or make a donation to the Peace Corps.