Thomas Vazquez Marrero

Thomas Vazquez Marrero, 72, of Reading, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in the Reading Hospital following a brief illness. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he was a son of the late Ricardo and Zoraida (Marrero) Vazquez. He was married for 56 years to the love of his life, Maria I. (Cruz) Vazquez.

Music was a huge part of Thomas' life. He was a skilled percussionist in a number of bands, a composer with his best friend, Chalupa, and a devoted listener of Salsa music. He also was a respected laborer for a number of local businesses, including East Penn Manufacturing, Giorgio Mushrooms and Kutztown University.

Thomas loved his native Puerto Rico, and had an equal passion for the beach, the ocean and soaking up the sun with his family and friends. He also enjoyed basketball, a game he played often in his youth, and was a huge fan of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Above all else, Thomas loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He cherished watching movies with them. Known for his warm heart and affectionate nature, Thomas will always be remembered for his passionate hugs.

In addition to his wife, Thomas is survived by his son Jeremiah Vazquez, and daughters Desiree Vazquez (Israel), Navila Vazquez (Lamar), and Zoraida Vazquez (Joseph), all of Reading; his brother, Ricardo Vazquez (Migdalia), and sister, Carmen Luz Nay (Edward).

The true lights in his life were his seven grandchildren: Israel, Natalia, Julia, Jeremiah, Jr., Joaquin, Mya and Elijah, and his four great grandchildren: Enzo, Israel, Nyla and Iverson. All will greatly miss their precious Papi.

A Celebration of Thomas' wonderful life will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 11:00AM in Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 1 East Lancaster Avenue, Shillington, PA. Viewings for Thomas will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 6:00-8:00PM, and again on Thursday, from 10:00-11:00AM in the Funeral Home. Burial will follow his service in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading.

Klee Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Vazquez family during this very difficult time. www.kleefuneralhome.com

Thomas Vazquez Marrero, de 72 años, de Reading, falleció pacíficamente el martes 27 de enero de 2026 en el Hospital de Reading tras una breve enfermedad. Nacido en San Juan, Puerto Rico, era hijo de los difuntos Ricardo y Zoraida (Marrero) Vazquez. Estuvo casado durante 56 años con el amor de su vida, Maria I. (Cruz) Vazquez.

La música fue una parte fundamental de la vida de Thomas. Fue un hábil percusionista en varias bandas, compositor junto a su mejor amigo, Chalupa, y un ferviente aficionado a la música salsa. También fue un respetado trabajador en varias empresas locales, incluyendo East Penn Manufacturing, Giorgio Mushrooms y la Universidad de Kutztown.

Thomas amaba su natal Puerto Rico, y sentía la misma pasión por la playa, el océano y tomar el sol con su familia y amigos. También disfrutaba del baloncesto, un deporte que practicó a menudo en su juventud, y era un gran fanático de los Philadelphia 76ers.

Sobre todo, Thomas amaba a su familia, especialmente a sus nietos. Le encantaba ver películas con ellos. Conocido por su gran corazón y su naturaleza afectuosa, Thomas siempre será recordado por sus cálidos abrazos.

Además de su esposa, a Thomas le sobreviven su hijo Jeremiah Vazquez, y sus hijas Desiree Vazquez (Israel), Navila Vazquez (Lamar) y Zoraida Vazquez (Joseph), todos de Reading; su hermano, Ricardo Vazquez (Migdalia), y su hermana, Carmen Luz Nay (Edward).

Las verdaderas luces de su vida fueron sus siete nietos: Israel, Natalia, Julia, Jeremiah, Jr., Joaquin, Mya y Elijah, y sus cuatro bisnietos: Enzo, Israel, Nyla e Iverson. Todos extrañarán profundamente a su querido Papi.

Se celebrará una ceremonia en memoria de la maravillosa vida de Thomas el jueves 5 de febrero de 2026 a las 11:00 a. m. en la Funeraria Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 1 East Lancaster Avenue, Shillington, PA. El velorio de Thomas se llevará a cabo el miércoles 4 de febrero de 2026, de 6:00 a 8:00 p. m., y nuevamente el jueves, de 10:00 a 11:00 a. m. en la funeraria. El entierro tendrá lugar después del servicio fúnebre en el cementerio Charles Evans, en Reading.

La funeraria Klee tiene el honor de acompañar a la familia Vazquez en estos momentos tan difíciles. www.kleefuneralhome.com