Thomas Robert Pelio

1942 - 2022

Born in Detroit, MI, to the late Mary (Scholosser) and William Pelio, (missing them every day since their passing), Tom couldn't thank his parents enough for moving to California, and giving him a terrific brother Les, who then gave Tom two wonderful nieces Lindsey, Shelby and a great sister-in-law Nini.Raised in Redwood City, Tom attended Sequoia High, then the new Woodside High, being among the inaugural graduating seniors. Many of his childhood friends remained life-long friends, especially Chips/Paula /Bill/MaryAnn/Larry/Nels/Cal/Walt/Rich/Dee. Receiving his teaching degree from San Jose State University, he taught one year at Soquel High, and made Santa Cruz home (1967). Although his first marriage (Teri) didn't last, brother-in-law Craig became a life-long friend. In the Army Reserves he met his life-long friends/role model couple Phil/Sandy.Tom found his beloved soul mate playing volleyball (1979). He told Joe and Gary, more treasured life-long friends, that she was the one, he was going to marry her, yet he hadn't even met her. Since then Tom and Marcia (Jue) were inseparable. They loved playing sports, participating in charity/community activities, nature walks, traveling, and all things family. This Dec 22 commemorates their 38th wedding anniversary. Tom embraced her parents as his additional Mom/Dad, and was a beloved son/grandson/brother/uncle/nephew/cousin to all in her clan.Tom's life was filled with love, fun, generosity, learning and adventures with family and friends old and new. He was the kindest man. Everyone counted on him as the reliable one and confidante. He always helped you as best he could whether packing/moving, chauffeuring, house repairs, babysitting, supporting your kids' fundraisers/your nonprofits. He helped his tenants with lower rents or no Dec rent for Christmas. He didn't hesitate helping Nels/Kippy sail their 46' "Charisma" from Oregon to San Francisco coming under the Golden Gate Bridge. Tom enjoyed taking part in or orchestrating celebrations/events/trips for family and friends. Recounting those shared experiences gave him much joy, be it high school antics; 12th Ave volleyball; golfing/fishing/skiing/VWcamper/hobie cat/abalone diving escapades; UCDavis sabbatical; Pacific Northwest sailing with Marcia/Nels/Kippy/Chips/Paula; Oregon exploits; US/international travel tales; Morro Bay getaways; nieces/nephew's sports/music/dance performances/Easter egg hunts doing Bunny duty; or that simple meal and walk.His caring, patient nature served him well as a teacher, making a positive impact on many lives, for 32 years at Camp Glenwood, La Honda. Word was always get in Mr. Pelio's classes because he inspired you to learn and you would, and to respect yourself and others.Tom's teaching colleagues/their wives remained life-long friends, especially Jim/Roberta, Bob/Liz.Tom liked to fix things at his home, parents' homes, rentals (Santa Cruz/Oregon). All still in use, he designed and helped construct three homes and an office remodel. Other favorite pastimes were reading, movies, cooking, baking pies/breads/biscuits, growing vegetables, tending to his apple trees. A gifted athlete, Tom exceled in water polo, basketball, baseball in high school. He was an accomplished competitor in volleyball, golf, racquetball, squash, tennis, softball. He also loved surfing, sailing, kayaking, mountain biking (notably Wilder/Nisene/Sierras/Aspen). He fulfilled his dream of learning to ride horses, adopting his own horses to ride and groom.Tom lived a vibrant full life despite battling Parkinson's for over 22 years, thanks to the love and support from Marcia, all his family and friends. Special gratitude to Dr. Bill; Dr. Gail/Roseanne; PAMF Drs. Eisendorf and Novic.Lasting peace doing your favorite activities (with Nels/Bill/Cal/Jim/Larry/Kenny); eating your favorite meals from both your Moms/Dads; smiling with us as we carry on your kind deeds. Forever in our hearts. A celebration for Tom to be announced.