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Thomas Valeo Obituary
1949 - 2015
Thomas Anthony Valeo died on April 22, 2015, after facing cancer during his final time on earth. Tom was born Aug. 28, 1949, to Henrietta (Nelson) and Anthony Valeo. He was born and grew up in Kenosha, Wis., graduating from St. Josephs High School in 1967. He graduated with honors from UW-Madison in 1971 majoring in History. Tom was a storyteller by nature and trade. He had a good and fascinating story for every situation because he lived a good and fascinating life. He was a real newspaper man who wrote for many publications. Much of his career was devoted to Chicago theater where he was the critic at the Daily Herald in Arlington Heights, IL.
A real Renaissance man, as he moved to St. Petersburg, Fla., his focus shifted to science writing. He was fascinated by everything but especially the brain and how it worked. Tom leaves a great deal of sadness in his wake because of the laughter, intrigue and happiness his presence brought to others while he lived.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Pryslopski, former wife, Liz Valeo; children, Pete Valeo, Jana Valeo, Nina Valeo Cooke (Tim Cooke) and grandchildren, Elliott and Olive; and sister, JoAnne Kipping (Paul), all of whom will miss him greatly. In lieu of flowers, a donation to your favorite public radio station or podcast would be appreciated. In honor of Tom, enjoy an optical illusion or two and be amazed for a brief moment by what your brain can do.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Valeo
3 Entries
Deborah Ackerman
May 5, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Tom's family and friends. You were lucky to have had him in your lives.
April 30, 2015
Tom was an excellent writer and more importantly always kind and friendly. My sympathy to all of his loved ones.
Terry Backmann
former co-journalist at Daily Herald
Barbars Masciangelo
April 26, 2015
Rest in peace
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