Thomas Anthony Palizzi

Thomas Anthony Palizzi, age 64, of Arvada, Colorado, passed away on April 3, 2024 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Tom was born in Denver, Colorado to Nick and Teressa Palizzi (née, Nichols) in March 24, 1960.
A lifelong resident of Arvada, Colorado, Tom worked as a civil engineer before becoming a Sales and Marketing Executive for Geographic Information System (GIS) software. He was devoted to his career and colleagues in the GIS community, and spent many happy years working his dream job alongside a family of peers.
While he enjoyed much success in his professional life, perhaps the most fulfilling chapter of Tom's life began in 2008 when he was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD). Tom took his diagnosis in stride and devoted 16 years to helping others navigate living with Parkinson's. He visited the United States Capital as a Policy Volunteer for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, attended the World Parkinson's Congress in Canada, was Chair of People With Parkinson's Advisory Council, and a Board Member for the Parkinson's Foundation. All while finding time to show up for his local Parkinson's community as a volunteer for Parkinson's Association of the Rockies (PAR). An avid cyclist, Tom organized Pedaling for Parkinson's cycling classes that are attended by people all across the country. But Tom was most passionate about his work with the Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF) where he was an Ambassador and Ride Director for the Tour de Victory.
Tom was never a "someday" guy. He wanted to see the world. So he did. He wanted to own a motorcycle. So he bought one. He wanted to sail the British Virgin Islands. So he learned to sail. And when he decided to restore a 1958 Ford pickup truck, he did it from the ground up. His many passions included fly fishing, cycling, tinkering around the house, restoring vintage cars, knowledge, and, of course, sports (SKO Buffs!). Those who knew Tom well know that he was most passionate about kindness, compassion, and finding common ground with everyone he came in contact with.
Above all, what Tom wanted most from life was to be there for his family. To teach, listen, inspire, mentor, support, and love. Which he accomplished every single day.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Jeanette Palizzi; their two children, Emily Palizzi and Mitchell Palizzi (Erinn Palizzi); mother, Teressa Palizzi; brother, Anthony Palizzi; sisters Kathleen Gardner, Juliann Riley, and Linda Kercheval; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Nick Palizzi.
A Celebration of Life honoring Tom will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. Arvada, Colorado, from 1:30-4:00pm. If you own one, please drive your classic car or motorcycle. Tom loved a car show.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Tom's honor to the Tour de Victory.