Thomas N. Trone

Thomas N. Trone, 75, of Moline, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at home with his beloved wife, Sue, by his side.

A gathering to celebrate Tom’s life will be 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 23, at CityView Celebrations at Trimble Pointe (lower level), 701 12th Street, Moline. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory.

During his illness, Tom relied on—and was deeply grateful for—262 blood transfusions. To honor his wish to “pay it forward,” the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, friends consider donating blood to ImpactLife or any other blood donation organization. For those unable to give blood, memorial contributions may be made to the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa.

Thomas Neil Trone was born on April 20, 1950, in Rushville, Illinois, to Glen and Vivian (Fuqua) Trone.

Tom married the love of his life, Susan Embry, on July 24, 2009, in Rock Island, Illinois. Together, they shared a remarkable journey, including two and a half years living in Russia. Tom and Sue traveled extensively in the U.S. and around the world throughout their marriage, creating cherished memories and friendships along the way.

A passionate and dedicated professional and leader, Tom's 50+ year career spanned several industries. He found his entrepreneurial spirit early in life starting his first business in 1969 at age 20. Tom started a consumer technology computer business while a graduate student at the University of Illinois, setting the foundation for many future endeavors including owning and operating businesses in information technology, foodservice, consulting and business development. Tom was a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Commerce and the Northwestern Kellogg School of Management.

In parallel with his entrepreneurial ventures, Tom was active in community development, education and consulting. He was an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois where he was instrumental in developing the UIUC Entrepreneurship program, a role that allowed him to share his knowledge, experience and passion with future business leaders. His teaching took him to Africa and other parts of the world, where he helped develop educational materials and train academic professionals on best practices for teaching entrepreneurship. Tom’s teaching also included being a lecturer at Illinois State University in Marketing and International Business and the University of Iowa Venture School. Tom had over 5,000 students during his long teaching career. As a strategy, marketing, and leadership consultant, Tom helped large and small companies develop and implement strategic and operating plans, create new businesses and products, enter and develop new markets, expand and develop their organizations, build leadership skills and teams and learn how to better compete in dynamic industries and conditions.

After Tom exited his entrepreneurial ventures in 1999, Tom began working for John Deere. His multi-faceted Deere career included roles in business development, international business, sales and marketing, technology development and forestry. He retired in 2016 after a distinguished career with the company.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Sue; her children, Jacob (Gwen) Poling of Hopkins, Minnesota, and Andrew (Kim) Poling of Normal, Illinois, who were like sons to him; his former step-sons, with whom he remained close, Dustin (Sarah) Croft of Coal Valley, and Jordan Croft of Mahomet, Illinois; and his grandchildren, Miles and June Poling, Owen, Taryn, and Louis Poling, and Delaney, Hudson, and Beau Croft. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Lisa Trone and grandson, Ellis Poling.

Tom's kindness, intellect, and generosity touched the lives of many. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Tom’s family invites friends to share stories and condolences at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.